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- In Society, the Rich Really Are a Completely Different Species
- Bill Provides a Voice for the Audience in Society
As a child of the ’80s, I remember the allure of shows like Dynasty and Falcon Crest, their glamorous excess serving as a tantalizing glimpse into a world where wealth and power seemed to hold no consequences. Society, however, offered a stark contrast, revealing the dark underbelly of this materialistic society, where the rich fed off the struggles of the less fortunate.
In simpler terms, Coralie Fargeat’s movie “The Substance” has been generating lots of buzz this year, largely due to Demi Moore’s outstanding performance and its shocking body horror scenes that have left critics and viewers talking long after they’ve left the theater. It has received well-deserved acclaim, a kind that could potentially lead to awards for Moore and recognition for the film itself during award season. However, for some films to succeed, others must step aside, and it seems that the 1992 body horror comedy “Society” made room for “The Substance” to shine. Like “The Substance,” “Society” is more than just its disturbing body horror moments. In fact, “Society” is a critique of the wealthy elite and their exploitation of the lower class for personal gain.
Under the guidance of director Fargeat, “The Substance” serves as a critique on ageism, notably within the entertainment industry and Hollywood. The character portrayed by Moore is Elisabeth Sparkle, once a beloved figure on a hit TV aerobics program. On her 50th birthday, she’s unexpectedly let go from her job. After witnessing the removal of her billboard in a car accident, she turns to an illicit drug known as “The Substance”, which miraculously replicates cells and temporarily transforms her into a younger version of herself.
It’s quite common for things that seem too good to be true to actually have dire consequences attached. In a different critique on societal norms, Brian Yuzna’s Society centers around Bill Whitney (played by Billy Warlock), a troubled teen living the high life in Beverly Hills. As he delves deeper, he uncovers that his affluent parents are members of a secret cult who participate in grisly rituals for the upper class elite. Both films employ body horror to convey their satirical themes, combining shocking effects with insightful storytelling.
In Society, the Rich Really Are a Completely Different Species
In essence, Society portrays a core belief among the affluent and privileged that they are distinct and immune to the burdens and worries of the common folk due to their wealth. They often perceive themselves as exempt from moral obligations and societal rules. This lack of empathy, particularly for those below them, gives them an elevated level of power. In other words, they become a separate entity in our midst. In this story, Bill becomes suspicious when his sister’s former partner, David Blanchard (Tim Bartell), shares an audio recording that hints at disturbing events taking place within their social circle. However, it is not just an unusual gathering; it is something far more gruesome and unnerving for those who recoil at the sight of body horror.
In the course of his relentless exploration throughout the movie, Bill uncovers a shocking truth: His family and their exclusive circle are actually a distinct species. A scene that’s become iconic in horror cinema reveals their unusual methods. The members of this privileged group disrobe to their undergarments and perform a ritual they refer to as “shunting.” This ritual involves distorting their bodies, merging into one another, and forming an enormous, revolting amalgamation. It’s also made clear that the act of “shunting” drains the life out of a living person, causing their demise.
As I sat in awe of the mind-blowing practical effects masterfully crafted by Screaming Mad George, it struck me that this film isn’t merely about spectacle; it delves into a chilling commentary on societal hierarchy and exploitation. The affluent characters in this movie prey upon those they deem inferior, draining their vitality, and discarding them because they believe these individuals are insignificant. In the end, the rich not only accumulate wealth but also gain physically through the nutrients they extract from their chosen victims, a grim reminder of the power dynamics that permeate our world.
The societal structure shaped during the 1980s had a profound impact, as this era was marked by rampant capitalism and class struggles, with the wealthy often emerging victorious. Shows like “Dynasty” and “Falcon Crest,” which depicted the materialistic culture of the time, were incredibly popular, leaving many viewers dreaming of emulating the opulent lifestyle portrayed on screen. For the already affluent, America seemed a land where they could indulge their desires without apparent repercussions, as greed held sway. In the 1980s, a period characterized by unbridled greed, the rich were seen to be devouring the poor, a theme that is subtly reflected in the film’s climactic scene where physical transformation serves as a metaphor for social and economic disparity.
“The rich have always sucked off low-class sh*t like you.”
Society generally exhibits a significant resistance towards figures of authority, implying that individuals in positions of power, such as parents, law enforcement, and the judicial system, might be part of this horrific ritual due to their influence. This scenario mirrors class struggles, where the oppressed lack a strong voice and become easy targets for those with greater power. As a result, this group can carry out their clandestine activities until Bill starts to question things aren’t right. Despite his suspicions, he often finds himself in situations that make him seem incorrect or even insane. This is yet another illustration of the fact that his voice is insufficient to counterbalance a “society” with power far greater than his own.
Bill Provides a Voice for the Audience in Society
As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate Bill’s role in the film for his exceptional voice acting. It turns out that he’s not biologically related to the rest of his family, which resonates with many teenagers who might feel alienated from their parents due to misunderstandings and societal expectations. This is poignantly depicted in the movie, where Bill’s non-belonging becomes painfully apparent, especially during the tense climax. However, this theme goes beyond the surface level; it delves into something profound. Despite being adopted into this wealthy family, Bill remains an outsider, and despite his proximity to their wealth, it’s not enough to fully integrate him. To truly belong among them, Billy had to participate in their dangerous actions, a step he was unwilling to take.
It wasn’t until three years later that Society gained an audience, as it was initially overlooked in the U.S. This delay resulted in its 1992 release, possibly due to the distributor’s uncertainty about how to promote the film effectively in the States, fearing it would be dismissed as a mere gross-out movie with its profound commentary going unnoticed. Contrastingly, Society was more warmly received in Europe, where the audience was receptive to both the film’s unique themes and its graphic portrayal of horror. Director Brian Yuzna once explained this difference by stating that, “Europeans are more open to accepting ideas presented in a movie, which is why Society did well in Europe but didn’t make an impact in the U.S., where it was seen as nothing more than a joke.
Horror has always had its finger on the pulse of social commentary. Beyond the gore, violence, and splatter, there is usually more than meets the eye. Society touched on this in 1992 and The Substance is touching on different ideas in 2024. Soon enough, audiences will be able to have a sort of twisted double feature at home that may have sequences that are designed to gross you out and make you uncomfortable, but also leave you with a little something to think about. Society is available to watch on Sling TV and Prime Video with a Screambox subscription. The Substance is now in theaters.
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2024-09-22 23:36