Grotesque Beauty
Grotesque Beauty is a love letter to horror and the exploration of pushing boundaries. It aims to experiment with one’s own perception of gore and find a way to turn it into art, something a viewer would want to engage with despite the initial discomfort. Grotesque Beauty also aims to challenge the conventional perceptions of what fashion should be and creates a platform to appreciate the artistry involved in bringing our most creative thoughts to life.
-
Storm DenoonDirector
-
Zoe JungeKey Cast"The Devil"
-
Siphumele KuneneKey Cast"Death"
-
Ludvig LodewyckxKey Cast"The Fool"
-
Nick VenterCinematography
-
Kris MullerCinematography
-
Zoe JungeColour Grading
-
Storm DenoonEditor
-
Lennie NyhonyaMusic Composer
-
Project Type:Experimental, Short, Student
-
Genres:Fashion Film, Horror, Experimental, Fashion
-
Runtime:3 minutes 27 seconds
-
Completion Date:November 19, 2024
-
Production Budget:650 ZAR
-
Country of Origin:South Africa
-
Country of Filming:South Africa
-
Language:English
-
Shooting Format:Digital 1920x1080
-
Aspect Ratio:16:9
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:No
-
Student Project:Yes - AFDA
Storm Denoon (b. 2002) is a South African director and creative visionary with a passion for pushing artistic boundaries. Raised in Johannesburg, they have been deeply immersed in the city's vibrant creative community, working with local choir and theatre groups, as well as creating passion projects with like-minded people. With a keen eye for fine detail and an appreciation for bold, vibrant aesthetics, Storm specializes in Character Design, Styling, and Production Design, using these elements to craft immersive visual narratives. Storm's work is driven by a desire to challenge expectations and bring stories to life through a unique fusion of makeup, wardrobe, and set design. Their creative philosophy is rooted in finding innovative and practical solutions, ensuring that each project is both conceptually striking and meticulously executed. Their latest project, Grotesque Beauty, is a testament to this approach. Inspired by the world of fashion films and the evocative power of special effects makeup, the film merges high fashion with elements of horror. Drawing on experimental filmmaking techniques, Storm employs quick-cut close-ups, dramatic lighting, and custom-designed garments to construct a visually arresting experience. By incorporating glam makeup and intricate costume design, they craft a vision that both embraces and subverts traditional notions of beauty and fashion.
When creating the concept for Grotesque Beauty I wanted to find a way to explore fashion that is influenced by my love for special effects makeup, specifically gore. Being true to the nature of fashion films, I have created my own clothing designs that speak to my own personal style, while finding an aesthetically pleasing manner to present it. With large influences from the horror genre, we made us of low-lighting and cooler tones with detailed red light to draw the viewer further into the world of Grotesque Beauty. I was able to challenge myself, stepping a bit out of my comfort zone with the use of glam makeup to help bring a feeling of high fashion to this production. Grotesque Beauty aims to challenge conventional perceptions of what fashion should be and creates a platform to appreciate the artistry of bringing our most creative thoughts to life.