Horror Legend John Carpenter Slams 'The Substance'

Legendary horror filmmaker John Carpenter is never afraid to share his opinions—and this time, the 'Halloween' director made it clear he's not a fan of one of 2024’s biggest horror hits, 'The Substance.' The Oscar-nominated body horror film, directed by Coralie Fargeat, starred Demi Moore as a fading celebrity who uses an experimental black-market drug to create a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley.

The movie received rave reviews for its fearless commentary on ageism, body image, and the pressures placed on women in Hollywood. It also became a commercial success, earning around $80 million on an $18 million budget.

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John Carpenter's Opinion on 'The Substance'

However, despite its acclaim, the film failed to impress John Carpenter. While appearing at a fan event in Philadelphia last week, the iconic director was asked his thoughts on 'The Substance.' 

When a fan told him they loved it, Carpenter admitted that he didn't share the same enthusiasm. He bluntly stated that there was nothing about the movie he liked, saying that every aspect of it failed to appeal to him.

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'The Substance' Performance and Successes

Carpenter's reaction stands in stark contrast to the film's critical reception. 'The Substance' was widely praised for its sharp satire and grotesque yet meaningful exploration of the beauty industry's obsession with youth. The movie earned several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Demi Moore. Although Moore ultimately lost the award to Mikey Madison for 'Anora,' she later expressed that she wasn't disappointed by the result.

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Director Coralie Fargeat has previously spoken about her admiration for Carpenter's work, particularly citing 'The Thing' as a major influence on her filmmaking style. She has described John Carpenter and fellow horror visionary David Cronenberg as artists she deeply respects and draws inspiration from.

Despite his dislike of 'The Substance,' Carpenter continues to be active in the horror world. Earlier this year, he revealed that he had agreed to compose the score for an upcoming horror project directed by 'Parasite' filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. Known for his groundbreaking use of synthesisers in scores for classics like 'Halloween,' 'The Fog,' and 'Escape From New York,' John Carpenter remains a creative force in the genre he helped define.

This isn't the first time Carpenter has shared strong opinions about modern cinema. He previously admitted that 2023's 'Barbie' didn't resonate with him, saying the film wasn't made for his generation and that much of it went over his head.

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While 'The Substance' continues to spark conversations among audiences and critics, Carpenter's response serves as a reminder that even horror legends have their own take on the evolution of the genre—and not every modern masterpiece can win over one of its founding fathers.

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