Coralie Fargeat is known for her fearless approach to filmmaking, particularly in the genre of horror. She’s the writer-director of The Substance, a highly acclaimed horror movie that received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture in 2025. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for creating visceral and thought-provoking stories. However, when it came to feedback from studios regarding her groundbreaking, blood-soaked body horror films, the most unexpected criticism didn’t stem from their violent or disturbing content. Instead, it was a scene that some men found issue with – a scene that Fargeat claims was targeted by… simply “the guys.
The French filmmaker recently appeared on Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast recalled receiving a particularly odd studio note regarding a pivotal lunch scene featuring cast member Dennis Quaid. The filmmaker was taken aback by how strongly certain people reacted to something she never imagined would be controversial. She explained:
Among all elements in the film that I expected could provoke discomfort among viewers, the one I least anticipated was the shrimp scene. It seemed to originate from male characters, and I found myself saying, “Take it easy on the shrimp,” as it appeared excessive and uncomfortable for some audience members due to its over-the-top portrayal.
Initially, the criticism seems unreasonable, but according to Coralie Fargeat, the unease didn’t stem from the crustaceans themselves; instead, it was linked to the symbolism of the scene.
In crafting the movie “Revenge,” its creator has consistently delved into the raw and disturbing, often employing over-the-top visuals to tackle broader themes such as beauty, power, and domination. The shrimp scene in “The Substance” is one example of this technique that may make certain viewers squirm – exactly the response the director aimed for. Personally, I appreciate this film as one of my favorite contemporary horror productions, but its peculiarity makes it a tough sell. The shrimp sequence certainly adds to its strangeness.
Ever since I laid my eyes on “The Substance,” it’s left quite an impact. Critics have been raving about its unique blend of raw horror and sharp societal critique, even going so far as to include it in TopMob’s list of the 25 finest films of 2024. This movie delves profoundly into themes of beauty, aging, and self-worth – topics that are all too often overlooked when it comes to women beyond a certain age in our industry.
Demi Moore’s portrayal in this film has been nothing short of exceptional. Her performance has earned her a Golden Globe and even landed her an Oscar nomination. Truly, it’s a testament to the depth of her talent as an actress.
Indeed, it wasn’t just the shrimp scene that caused studio apprehension regarding the movie. In fact, the director of Le télégramme disclosed that there were also concerns about the film’s monstrous creature, which represented the themes in a grotesque yet vulnerable manner. Some executives felt this design didn’t adhere to conventional standards for creature aesthetics, but Coralie Fargeat, who has frequently discussed her vision for The Substance‘s unsettling visuals, remained resolute. For her, the entire film served to defy expectations.
Demi Moore, who’s familiar with Hollywood’s inconsistencies, found a strong resonance with the movie’s messages. In an earlier conversation, she mentioned it was perfectly timed for her profession. One particularly impactful moment in the film has her character stripping off her makeup before a mirror, a powerful display of vulnerability that served as the emotional climax of the story. The director of this chilling film acknowledged that Moore’s acting brought an authentic depth and intensity to the scene, making it truly memorable.
In essence, the shrimp scene in the movie serves as yet another proof that The Substance pushes limits. Given its capacity to unsettle some viewers, it underscores the film’s power to provoke unease and stimulate dialogue. To be frank, this is precisely what top-notch horror films are intended to achieve.
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2025-02-15 19:37