The Substance’s Coralie Fargeat Made a ‘Star Wars’ Movie 30 Years Ago

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Coralie Fargeat, the Academy Award-nominated director of the anticipated body horror film The Substance for 2024, has chosen to reveal a unique piece from her past. At the age of 17 in 1993, Fargeat unearthed some old toys, enlisted her friends, and went shopping for groceries with the intention of making a movie. The outcome was a 14-minute blend of stop-motion animation and live-action footage that she filmed as a tribute to Star Wars.

Working together with Letterboxd, the writer and director shared their homemade adaptation of Star Wars with the general public, independently produced and titled “La Guerre des Étoiles.” This French short film incorporates stop-motion elements, reenactments of selected scenes from “Return of the Jedi,” the original franchise’s signature sound effects, as well as footage dubbed from the actual movies. It’s an extraordinary display of a dedicated Star Wars fan’s enthusiasm.

Per Fargeat’s message:

30 years back, when I turned seventeen, I created a miniature Star Wars movie. Employing our family’s camcorder, I meticulously moved my toys one frame at a time using stop-motion animation, enlisted friends to play roles as Ewoks and stormtroopers, and edited the footage on a VHS video recorder, which was the most advanced recording device available then.

After crafting that modest production, I realized my heart lay in directing… That humble film set was where I felt unbridled freedom and passion, allowing me to fully express myself. Now, as I’m nominated for Best Director, I can’t help but look back at that very film, reminding me of the spark it ignited within me.

Follow your dreams!”

Does ‘The Substance’ Have a Shot at the Oscars?

When the nominations for the 2025 Oscars were revealed in January, people were taken aback to see “The Substance” listed across several categories. Demi Moore’s recognition in the Best Actress category was expected, but Fargeat’s gruesome masterpiece also made its mark in other areas, bringing joy to fans. At the Golden Globes, the film earned five nominations, although it was categorized as a “musical or comedy.” At the Academy Awards, it garnered recognition in five categories as well: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Every year, the discussion about horror films and their underrepresentation in award ceremonies resurfaces within the horror community. Fans frequently advocate for actors who deliver exceptional performances in these films, such as Toni Collette in “Hereditary”, Lupita Nyong’o in “Us”, and Essie Davis in “The Babadook”. Demi Moore’s role in “The Substance” has been a strong contender, but recent wins at certain award shows suggest that her Best Actress victory might not be a given. Although unexpected outcomes are always possible, the chances for “The Substance” to win an Academy Award seem slim, but it’s always exciting to see if they can pull off a surprise.

It’s not common for directors who have been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Director category to kickstart their careers by creating an amateur film inspired by ‘Star Wars’ within their apartment building. Coralie Fargeat, however, showcases her early affection for cinema through her homemade short film, which has a unique blend of elements from ‘The Substance’ and the more terrifying aspects of ‘Star Wars’. While this short film may not have won an award, it provided the foundation for Fargeat to create an Academy Award-nominated movie, marking the beginning of a fascinating cinematic journey. One might even imagine her as a potential candidate for directing future ‘Star Wars’ films if Disney and Kathleen Kennedy were considering pitches.

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2025-02-24 01:32