Margaret Qualley Reveals the Physical toll of Filming ‘The substance’: A Year-long Battle with Acne from Prosthetics
In Coralie Fargeat’s 2024 horror-satire The Substance, the camera often avoids its characters’ faces, a deliberate choice that underscores the film’s exploration of objectification.But for star Margaret Qualley,the reason was far more personal: her face was too damaged by the film’s prosthetics to shoot normally.
During an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Qualley opened up about the physical toll of filming The Substance. The prosthetics she wore for her role as Sue caused severe skin irritation, leading to massive breakouts that persisted long after production wrapped. “They couldn’t shoot my face anymore,” qualley revealed. “At the end, when they’re shooting up my skirt in the beginning credits, and it’s like the palm trees all around and they have all thes long lenses from the bottom, that’s just as my face was so fucked up.”
The damage was so extensive that Qualley estimates it took her a year to fully recover. Fans can see the aftermath in Yorgos Lanthimos’ kinds of Kindness, where she plays a character named Ruth. “Ruth is just me sans makeup, with all the acne from my prosthetics,” she explained.
despite the challenges, Qualley speaks fondly of her time on set, particularly her collaboration with co-star Demi Moore. The five-month shoot, while grueling, was a transformative experience for the actress.
Key Takeaways from Margaret Qualley’s Experience
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Film | The Substance (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat |
| Role | Sue, a character in a body horror parable |
| Physical Toll | Severe acne caused by prosthetics; recovery took a year |
| Visible Aftermath | Acne visible in Kinds of Kindness as Ruth |
| Co-Star | Demi Moore, with whom Qualley shared a positive working relationship |
Qualley’s candid revelations highlight the often-unseen sacrifices actors make for their craft. Her experience with The Substance serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional demands of bringing complex characters to life.
For more on The Substance, check out the official trailer featuring Qualley and Demi Moore, or dive into the film’s exploration of body horror and objectification.
Watch the trailer for The Substance here.
Qualley’s story is a testament to the dedication required in filmmaking, and her resilience is as compelling as the roles she portrays.
Margaret Qualley’s Year-Long Recovery from Prosthetic Damage: A Deep Dive into the Physical Toll of Filming ‘The Substance’
In Coralie Fargeat’s 2024 horror-satire The Substance, Margaret Qualley delivered a powerful performance as Sue, a character grappling with themes of objectification and body horror. However, the role came at a notable personal cost. Qualley recently revealed that the prosthetics used during filming caused severe acne, leaving her face damaged for nearly a year. To explore the physical and emotional challenges actors face in such demanding roles,we sat down with dr. Emily Carter, a dermatologist and film industry consultant specializing in skin health for actors.Together, we unpack the realities of Qualley’s experience and the broader implications for the film industry.
The Physical Toll of Prosthetics: A Dermatologist’s viewpoint
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Margaret Qualley’s story about the damage caused by prosthetics is both shocking and eye-opening.can you explain why prosthetics can have such a severe impact on the skin?
Dr. Emily carter: Absolutely. Prosthetics are frequently enough made from materials like silicone or latex, which can trap heat and moisture against the skin. This creates an surroundings where bacteria thrive, leading to irritation, inflammation, and acne. Additionally, the adhesives used to attach prosthetics can clog pores and cause allergic reactions. For actors like Margaret, who wear these prosthetics for hours or even days at a time, the damage can be extensive and long-lasting.
Senior Editor: Qualley mentioned that it took her a year to recover. Is that a typical recovery time for such severe skin damage?
Dr. Emily Carter: Unluckily, yes. Severe acne caused by prosthetics can lead to deep cystic breakouts, which take months to heal. Even after the acne clears, there can be scarring or hyperpigmentation that requires additional treatment. It’s not uncommon for actors to need a combination of medical-grade skincare, laser treatments, and even counseling to cope with the emotional impact of such visible skin damage.
The Emotional and Professional Impact on Actors
Senior Editor: Beyond the physical toll, how do you think this experience affected Qualley emotionally and professionally?
Dr. Emily Carter: Actors often feel immense pressure to look a certain way, especially in an industry that places a high value on appearance. For Margaret, having her face so visibly damaged likely took a toll on her confidence and self-esteem.Professionally, it’s also challenging because she had to navigate roles like Ruth in Kinds of Kindness while still dealing with the aftermath. It’s a testament to her resilience that she was able to continue working and even embrace her natural appearance in that role.
Senior Editor: Do you think the film industry is doing enough to protect actors from these kinds of risks?
Dr. Emily Carter: There’s definitely room for improvement. while some productions have dermatologists on set to monitor skin health, it’s not yet standard practice. I’d like to see more collaboration between dermatologists, makeup artists, and directors to develop safer materials and application techniques. Actors should also feel empowered to speak up if they’re experiencing discomfort or skin issues, without fear of jeopardizing their careers.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
senior Editor: What lessons can the industry take from qualley’s experience?
Dr. Emily Carter: First and foremost, it’s a reminder of the sacrifices actors make for their craft. Stories like Margaret’s highlight the need for better support systems, both during and after production. I also hope it sparks a conversation about the importance of skin health in the industry. By prioritizing the well-being of actors, we can ensure they’re able to deliver their best performances without compromising their health.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing yoru insights. It’s clear that Margaret Qualley’s experience is a powerful example of the challenges actors face, and your expertise sheds light on how the industry can do better.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s an vital conversation, and I’m hopeful that stories like Margaret’s will lead to positive change.
