Hollywood star Margaret Qualley has revealed that the prosthetics she wore in the critically-acclaimed horror movie “The Substance” caused so much damage to her skin that it took about a year to recover. “At the end, when they’re shooting up my skirt in the beginning credits, when it’s like the palm trees all around and they have all these long lenses from the bottom, that’s just because my face was so f**ked up by that time,” Qualley told Josh Horowitz on the podcast “Happy Sad Confused.” “They couldn’t shoot my face anymore,” she said in the episode, released Monday. Qualley added that the prosthetics caused acne which lasted even as she was shooting her next movie “Kinds of Kindness.” “So, you know the character that has all that acne? That was just my acne from the prosthetics,” Qualley said. “And I was like, ‘Oh this is actually kind of perfect. I’m playing all these different characters. For one of them, we’ll use all my crazy prosthetic acne.’ Yeah, it took me probably a year to recover physically from all of it.” By making extensive use of prosthetics and other practical effects, “The Substance” depicts the story of celebrated actress and fitness guru Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, who is fired by her boss on her 50th birthday. She learns of a black market drug known as the Substance, which promises to deliver her a younger version of herself named Sue, played by Qualley, with certain caveats. The movie falls into the body-horror genre so Sue gruesomely emerges out of a slit in Elisabeth’s spine and, as their relationship becomes more and more destructive, both their bodies decay in a parable about the pitfalls of chasing eternal youth. Without giving too much away, it all culminates in a final act that brings new meaning to the term “bloodbath.” Towards the end of the movie, Qualley donned a prosthetic suit that she described as “a torture chamber” to the LA Times. “We would just go until I had a panic attack,” she said. “And the tempting thing is you want to peel it off, but of course you can’t do that, because you’ll bring your skin with you.” The prosthetics could take “anywhere from six to nine and a half hours,” Moore told Access Hollywood at the Golden Globe Awards. She added that it took “at least an hour and a half to get it all off.” The movie, which is the second feature from French writer-director Coralie Fargeat, has become a critical and commercial success, and entered the cultural zeitgeist. Moore and Qualley’s performances in particular are receiving much awards buzz, with Moore picking up a Golden Globe for best performance by a female actor in a musical or comedy motion picture.
Margaret Qualley says her skin took a year to recover from ‘The Substance’ prosthetics
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"Margaret Qualley Discusses Skin Recovery After Wearing Prosthetics in 'The Substance'"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Margaret Qualley, the Hollywood actress known for her role in the horror film 'The Substance,' has shared her challenging experience with prosthetics used during filming, revealing that they inflicted significant damage to her skin. In a recent podcast interview, Qualley disclosed that the effects of the prosthetics were so severe that it took her about a year to fully recover. She recounted a particularly difficult moment when filming the opening credits, where the makeup team had to avoid shooting her face due to the skin damage caused by the prosthetic applications. Qualley humorously noted that the acne visible on her character in her subsequent film, 'Kinds of Kindness,' was actually a result of the prosthetics, saying, 'that was just my acne from the prosthetics.' Despite the challenges, she found a way to integrate her skin condition into her character portrayal, illustrating her adaptability as an actress under difficult circumstances.
The film 'The Substance' tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, who grapples with aging and the desire for eternal youth through a black market drug. Qualley's character, Sue, emerges from a grotesque situation that serves as a metaphor for the dangers of vanity and the quest for youth. The production employed extensive prosthetics and practical effects, which Qualley described as physically taxing, likening the suit she wore to a 'torture chamber.' The process of applying and removing the prosthetics was time-consuming, often taking up to ten hours in total. Despite the physical toll, 'The Substance' has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, with both Qualley and Moore receiving significant recognition for their performances. The film has resonated with audiences, making a notable impact in contemporary cinema, particularly in the body-horror genre.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Margaret Qualley's revelation about her skin recovery after wearing prosthetics in "The Substance" sheds light on the physical toll that film productions can impose on actors. The story not only highlights her personal struggle but also invites broader discussions about health and safety standards within the film industry.
Health and Safety in the Film Industry
Qualley’s experience raises important questions regarding the protocols in place for actors using prosthetics and other special effects. The prolonged damage to her skin and the emotional distress indicated by her panic attacks suggest a need for more stringent health and safety regulations. This could provoke industry stakeholders to reassess how they prioritize actor well-being during productions, especially in high-intensity genres like horror.
Public Perception and Celebrity Vulnerability
By sharing her struggles, Qualley may be aiming to humanize the often-glamorous image of Hollywood stars. Her candidness could resonate with the audience, fostering empathy and a sense of vulnerability that counters the typical portrayal of celebrities as invulnerable. This narrative invites fans to appreciate the sacrifices and challenges behind their favorite films.
Connection to Broader Issues
This news piece can be seen as part of a larger conversation about the pressures of beauty and the lengths to which individuals go to conform to societal standards. The film’s plot, which explores themes of youth and decay, complements Qualley’s personal narrative, reflecting the broader societal obsession with maintaining youth and beauty at any cost.
Manipulative Potential
While the article presents a compelling personal story, it also has the potential to manipulate public sentiment by framing Qualley as a victim of the industry. This could lead to calls for change, but it may also overshadow other pressing issues within Hollywood, such as representation and diversity. The choice of language and focus on her suffering may serve to garner sympathy while diverting attention from systemic problems.
Industry Image and Community Response
The news reinforces a narrative of vulnerability that may appeal to audiences who value authenticity over the polished images often seen in media. It might attract support from advocacy groups focused on actor welfare, mental health, and the ethical treatment of performers.
Economic and Market Implications
The discussion surrounding the physical and emotional toll of acting may influence stakeholders in the entertainment industry, potentially impacting box office performances of similar films and the investments in future projects that employ extensive prosthetics. It could lead to a shift in how studios approach the production process, possibly affecting stock prices of companies involved in film production and distribution.
Global Context and Relevance
While the article centers on a personal experience, it touches on universal themes relevant to today’s cultural climate. The focus on body image and the consequences of seeking eternal youth resonates in a society increasingly aware of mental health and physical well-being.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
There is no explicit indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the framing of Qualley’s narrative to emphasize emotional engagement, possibly steering the focus toward her struggles to elicit a stronger reader response.
Ultimately, the reliability of this news article rests on the authenticity of Qualley's claims and the transparency of the production process behind "The Substance." While her experience is personal, it serves as a reflection of broader issues in the industry, encouraging audiences to think critically about the implications of filmmaking practices and their impact on health.