Demi Moore’s leading actress win — and subsequent speech — at the Golden Globes for “The Substance” was one of the highlights of the night. It was a win that catapulted the 62-year-old actress ever closer to her first-ever Oscar nomination, and for a hugely daring role as an aging Hollywood star in a shocking body-horror that has become one of the most talked about films of the year.
“The Substance” director Coralie Fargeat was in the Globes audience at the Beverly Hotel, and while she may not have won best director or screenplay at the the ceremony, the honor for Moore helped underline her blood-soaked satire’s status as one of the wildest, boldest and most unexpected films in the awards race.
Speaking to Variety the morning after the night before (and after drinking “lots of water”), Fargeat discusses why Moore’s win was the ultimate prize for a film which take aim at society’s infatuation with age and looks in women while also hinting at her next project. In an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette, she also unveils the secrets to how she made “The Substance,” the practical effects involved (often with her inside them) and how she was able to recreate her version of Hollywood in the south of France.
How did you feel when Demi won?
It was the entire reason why I made this film! To show that a woman shouldn’t be seen through her youth or her beauty but what she does. And Demi has done many things. It says a lot about where society puts its gaze. I think it was the best recognition for the film’s message. It was also a project that was very difficult to make and nobody wanted to make it how I wanted to make it — loud, excessive, violent. So it was great to see her on the stage for this uncompromising vision and the risk-taking that she dived into going on this journey with me.
Given your reasons for making the film and the message it contains, if you had to pick one award, was Demi winning best actress the one you would have chosen?
Absolutely! Any award for a film is great and a big recognition. But symbolically speaking, seeing her on the stage with this messaging was pretty powerful.
What do you think the success of “The Substance” in both the box office and awards says about the industry right now and how Hollywood isn’t taking the sort of risks that it should be?
What struck me at the Golden Globes was how vivid and daring and bold all the movies all the nominated movies were. They’re very original movies with strong visions. And new filmmakers who have taken risks to make their films. And the fact that these movies were successful says a lot about what is cinema. Because it brings fresh and new and sincere voices to the table. I think that’s what was celebrated last night and I think Hollywood take the lesson from this.
You made this with Working Title, who obviously love working with the same directors. Have you already started discussing your next project with them?
For now I’m not discussing anything. I’m just enjoying the moment and taking some time as I really want to write my next project. It’s slowly starting to be put in motion in the back of my brain and when things calm down I’ll take it from there.
Given how bold and visual striking and out-there “The Substance” is, is the idea you have in the back of your head similar or something a little less extreme?
It’s going to be totally different but with a lot of similarities. I love to make bold and surprising films with things that you don’t expect, so definitely that’s what I want to do. And I love the freedom that I gave myself for this film and that’s certainly something I want to keep doing. That was the greatest thing for me on “The Substance.”
Both “The Substance” and your first film “Revenge” were borne out of angry and frustration. Now that you’re getting applause and awards and recognition and people are loving you and your filmmaking, where are you going to pull you inspiration from?
Well, I have still have so much to say!
So it’s not going to be all happiness and joy?
I don’t think so!
See the making-of featurette below
