As a cinephile with a penchant for unconventional films and a soft spot for productions that break the mold, I found myself utterly captivated by the audaciousness of “The Substance.” The film’s genre-bending approach and its daring to push the boundaries of horror, all while showcasing the exceptional talent of Demi Moore, made it an unmissable experience for me.
Eric Fellner, the producer behind The Substance, admitted that he wasn’t fully aware that the genre film featuring Demi Moore was a full-blown horror movie with lots of gore. Although it’s possible he read the script before approving the project, it seems director Coralie Fargeat may have held back some details.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fellner had a conversation with Tim Bevan at a BFI London Film Festival event about “The Substance,” a film produced by Working Title Films. Notable for its contributions to TV and film production in Britain, Working Title has brought us hits like “Shaun of the Dead” and romantic comedies such as “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually.” However, Fellner stated that they weren’t entirely sure that “The Substance” would challenge conventions and offer something fresh and unconventional compared to their previous work.
Initially, I underestimated the intensity of the event. However, in retrospect, I believe it’s a positive development. It has undeniably attracted more audiences to the cinemas, which is wonderful news.
It’s terrific that a company such as Mubi is drawing audiences to cinemas, since this indicates that streaming services and traditional theaters can indeed thrive side by side and complement each other effectively.
In the movie titled “The Substance“, Demi Moore portrays Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-glorious Hollywood figure who’s now past her prime. She was once known for her popular aerobics TV show that financed an extravagant lifestyle, but now struggles with dwindling ratings. After getting fired and being in a car accident, Sparkle encounters a turning point with “The Substance”, a mysterious elixir. This serum claims to offer a superior version of herself. However, she’s unaware that injecting it will lead to her transformation. A self-assured and gorgeous woman emerges, not from the usual channels, but directly from Sparkle’s spine. The catch is that using “The Substance” comes with certain guidelines… but they aren’t always adhered to.
In this movie, you’ll find Margaret Qualley, Moore, and Dennis Quaid as the main stars. It has garnered significant praise from critics, particularly Coralie Fargeat, the writer and director, who has masterfully explored the realm of horror. Despite its sharp social commentary, Fargeat doesn’t shy away from showcasing her horrifying vision. In the climactic third act of “The Substance“, you can expect a rollercoaster ride that will make you laugh, induce nightmares, and cause some queasiness simultaneously.
The Substance Proves Modern Horror Can Be Profitable
The Movie was produced at a cost under $20 million, yet it has already garnered nearly $30 million. Initially, Universal Pictures declined to distribute the film due to concerns about its reception. However, following a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, the situation started shifting. Streaming platform Mubi took over global distribution rights, including cinemas, and while some regions haven’t experienced The Substance on the big screen yet, prospects are optimistic.
Horror films don’t necessarily require massive budgets in cinema production. Quite often, microbudgets suffice, and filmmakers leverage their creativity to bring their visions to life. Films such as “The Substance,” 2022’s “Talk to Me,” Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” and the “Terrifier” series demonstrate that viewers are less concerned with the budget and more interested in watching quality, impactful movies. The producer of “The Substance” emphasizes this point, stating that audiences just want to experience compelling cinema.
This experience taught us that if a concept truly exists, it piques people’s curiosity without deterring them. In this genre, productions should aim for lower budgets and more daring approaches.
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2024-10-17 16:01