Title: Margaret Qualley's Skin Recovery Journey Post-'The Substance' Prosthetics
In a candid conversation with Josh Horowitz on "Happy Sad Confused," actress Margaret Qualley discussed the challenges she faced during filming for the body-horror movie "The Substance." The film, starring Demi Moore, follows the story of a celebrated actress who turns to a black market drug for a youthful transformation, ultimately leading to a grisly and bloody conclusion.
Qualley explained that by the time of the beginning credits, her face was so damaged from the extensive prosthetics used in the film that they couldn't film her face anymore. The prosthetics caused severe acne that lingered even during the filming of her next project, "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.’"
The movie, directed by French writer-director Coralie Fargeat, has become a critical and commercial success, with both Qualley and Moore receiving praise for their performances. Qualley described the prosthetic suit she wore towards the end of the movie as a "torture chamber," revealing that they would film until she had a panic attack.
Demi Moore also shared the challenges of wearing prosthetics for over nine hours each day, revealing that it took her an hour and a half to an hour and a half to two hours to remove them after each shoot. The physical and emotional toll that the role took on both actresses is a testament to their dedication to their craft.
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The body-horror genre often relies on extensive prosthetics and special effects to transform actors into grotesque, otherworldly creatures. However, as Qualley and Moore's experiences demonstrate, the use of prosthetics comes with its own set of challenges and consequences, including physical and emotional strain, disrupted skincare routines, and even allergic reactions.
Despite these challenges, both actresses delivered powerful performances in "The Substance," demonstrating their commitment to their roles and their willingness to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. The film's success is a testament to their talent and dedication, as well as to the continued popularity of the body-horror genre.
Qualley found a unique style in integrating her prosthetic-induced acne into her character's appearance for "Kinds of Kindness," showcasing the beauty of embracing imperfections. The grueling process of wearing prosthetics for hours led Moore to appreciate the true essence of beauty, highlighting their resilience and dedication to their craft.
