Demi Moore is calling out the press for shaming The Substance. It’s not about nudity but “the vulnerability.”
Demi Moore, the iconic 90s Hollywood actor, is again stealing the spotlight with her powerful portrayal of the fading celebrity Elisabeth Sparkle. No one could embody this complex character better than Moore who went through the public scrutiny of cosmetic beauty standards throughout her career.
The Substance star shuts down the misconception surrounding the film’s narrative being solely focused on nudity instead of self-worth. While the film does feature several scenes with full-frontal nudity, it isn’t fundamentally sexualized. Moore has bare it all, telling it more about vulnerability.
The 62-year-old actress is turning heads with her performance in Coralie Fargeat’s body-horror The Substance. Critics and audiences both praised every aspect of the film. Owing that, the actor even snatched her well-deserved maiden Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture at the recent award ceremony.
Demi Moore felt “sad” about the shaming headlines on nudity in her film The Substance
The Substance focuses on the fading celebrity, Elizabeth Sparkle who found success by becoming a TV aerobics guru. But the day she turned 50, her boss fired her and replaced her with a younger host. Losing her position, Elizabeth Sparkle resorts to a black-market drug known as The Substance. It generates her cells into a younger version of herself, namely Sue, played by Margaret Qualley. The drug requires the two to switch out every seven days.
Moore and Qualley both had to bare themselves for several scenes. There were a few scenes where the characters needed to study their body and it was necessary to display it full-frontal. Prior to filming, director Coralie Fargeat and Moore had a full conversation about the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment, discussing how the nudity would serve the story’s deeper themes.
In an interview with IndieWire at the Cannes Film Festival, Demi Moore reflected on the topic of nudity. When asked about the abundance of nudity which was essential for the film the star replied she was disappointed to see the headlines. The actor made it clear that the focus of nudity is misaligned with the film’s true essence.
I have to say, [it is] disappointing because it is not about that. It isn’t about nudity, it’s about vulnerability.
Moore criticized the media’s portrayal of nudity as shaming and diminishing which was not the aim of the movie. She said it was the least appropriate part of the movie.
Demi Moore talked about fostering a safe space in the context of nudity
In the interview when asked about comfort and the difference between filming with a female filmmaker and a male filmmaker, Moore confidently replied it’s all about the context. “The context of how the nudity was going to be used.” It has nothing to do with the gender of the filmmaker. Moore took in her hand what needed to be brought onto the scene.
Moreover, Fargeat and Moore engaged in meaningful discussions about the context in which nudity will be presented. In the film, Qualley and Moore were on each other for most of the scenes. The star assured that it was possible because filmmakers and staff went out of their way to make the set the most comfortable and secure space. For this specific reason, the nudity was never sexualized. Moore said–
I think the biggest difference is that [the nudity] wasn’t sexualized. It was really more in reflection of oneself in that way of what is it to be with yourself.
While the nudity didn’t sexualize the character, it is more about the connection of the body and memory where the two characters Elisabeth and Sue, go through different experiences.
Moore felt more connected with the storytelling of director Coralie Fargeat than the character
Demi Moore explained why it is not about her connection with the character Elisabeth but the way Fargeat wanted to tell the story of an aging actor. She said the film is more rooted in seeking validation, self-acceptance, and the feeling of being rejected. The film masterfully explores the aspect of aging, a thing that is out of anyone’s control, which brings a lack of self-acceptance.
The film beautifully portrayed the industry’s obsession with youth. It is a pointed remark on how female celebrities are treated to look in a certain way and made them believe that they have a shelf life. It is a subtle attack on the industry’s unrealistic standards where female celebrities are forced to go through needles and scissors.
The deformed state at the end delivers a beautiful metaphor for the futile chase of unattainable beauty standards. It is a constant reminder that chasing perfection often can lead to destructive consequences.
The Substance is streaming on AppleTV.
