The Substance has become one of 2024’s true revelations. Despite its twisted, disturbing, and even repulsive plot, it has conquered the box office by delivering a sharp and direct critique of beauty standards and the sexualization of women.
And while The Substance movie isn’t perfect, the performances by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley shone on the big screen.
However, what few people know is that this body horror film may be inspired by the real-life story of Jane Fonda, the woman who forever changed the fitness video industry—and the hell she went through in the process.
The Real Story Behind The Substance Movie
You might be too young to remember, but in 1982, Jane Fonda became the ultimate face of exercise videos and, at the same time, a sex symbol who captivated the world’s attention, much like the character Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Moore, in The Substance.
Jane was born on December 21, 1937, in New York, and like the main character in Coralie Fargeat’s film, she had a highly successful career in both television and film, starring in iconic movies such as Barbarella and Barefoot in the Park.
How is Jane Fonda Related to The Substance Movie?
On April 24, 1982, Fonda released her first exercise video, titled Jane Fonda’s Workout, and from that moment on, she became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring thousands of women around the world to exercise from home and stay fit.
However, not everything was as perfect as it seemed. Behind her stunning image and toned figure, Jane Fonda was living through a personal hell, struggling for 35 years with eating disorders that pushed her to her limits.
I need to know what Jane Fonda’s thoughts are about The Substance
— jean’s glucose monitor • hacks spoilers (@mirrenelle) September 22, 2024
Since her early 20s, the actress suffered from bulimia, a disorder that gradually impacted her life in significant ways, to the point of preventing her from maintaining personal relationships.
She mentioned that this disorder made her feel miserable and believe she wouldn’t live past 30, as it had become her only way of coping with the anxiety and pressures of the entertainment industry.
Fortunately, Jane Fonda overcame that battle, and today, at 86 years old, she has become an example of resilience by daring to challenge the stigmas surrounding beauty and aging.
This article was originally published in Spanish by Mariana Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
