Cannes went crazy for the feminist body horror movie during its premiere on Sunday night, showering it with an 11-minute standing ovation, the longest one at the festival yet.
In her latest movie, “The Substance,” Demi Moore has taken her acting career to new heights by fearlessly pushing boundaries and embracing her vulnerability. The 61-year-old star has captivated audiences by going completely nude in multiple scenes, showcasing her dedication to her craft and her willingness to explore complex and challenging roles.
During the prestigious Cannes Film Festival press event for “The Substance,” Moore candidly shared the profound and transformative journey she embarked on while portraying her character. She revealed that the decision to bare it all was not merely for shock value or sensationalism but rather a deliberate choice to authentically portray the emotional depth and rawness of her character’s experiences.
Moore’s willingness to expose herself physically and emotionally in “The Substance” is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft and her desire to challenge societal norms surrounding age and beauty in the entertainment industry. By embracing her vulnerability, she has shattered stereotypes and proven that talent and passion know no age limits.
The actress’s openness about her “vulnerable journey” has sparked conversations about the importance of representation and the power of storytelling. Moore’s decision to go nude in the film has become a symbol of artistic freedom and a celebration of the human body in all its forms.
“The Substance” has garnered critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative and Moore’s exceptional performance. Her portrayal has been hailed as a tour de force, showcasing her ability to delve deep into the complexities of her character’s psyche and deliver a truly captivating performance.
By fearlessly pushing boundaries and embracing vulnerability, Demi Moore has not only redefined her own career but has also paved the way for a more inclusive and accepting industry. Her willingness to challenge societal expectations and explore uncharted territories has inspired a new generation of actors and filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling and embrace the power of authenticity.
“The Substance” stands as a testament to Moore’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Through her courageous choices and her willingness to share her vulnerable journey, she has solidified her status as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Moore mentioned that before starting, it was clearly communicated how much vulnerability and raw emotion was needed to tell the story. It was a very sensitive and vulnerable experience that required a lot of discussion about our goals.
In the film from “Revenge” helmer Coralie Fargeat, Moore plays a fading celebrity who uses a black market drug the film is named for — a cell-replicating device that winds up creating a young, better version of herself (Margaret Qualley).
She not only has to coexist with this new being, but also has to be in a dormant state half of the time to allow the other to flourish. In a scene early on, Qualley is “born” in a way, Moore carefully observes her naked body before administering the drug. When Qualley finally emerges, she also admires her new smooth skin. It’s a bold but maybe essential moment of full-frontal exposure for both of them.
She not only has to share a space with this new creature, but also has to spend half her time in a dormant state so the other can thrive. In an early scene, Qualley is “birthed” in a way, Moore carefully studies her nude body before administering the drug. When Qualley emerges, she too marvels at her supple new skin. It’s a bold but perhaps necessary display of full-frontal for both.
Moore also praised Qualley for helping her feel at ease on set, even though Qualley couldn’t attend the press conference due to a prior commitment.
I used to have an amazing partner who made me feel incredibly secure. We were really close, both emotionally and physically, and we often found humor in the ridiculousness of certain situations we encountered together. However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to effective communication and mutual trust.
As the movie unfolds, Moore’s appearance takes a drastic turn for the worse due to the mistreatment inflicted by her partner Qualley. By the final part of the film, she bears a striking resemblance to Anjelica Huston’s character in the 1990 film “The Witches” when she undergoes a transformation into a monstrous hunchback.
Moore found it quite odd to see herself in the prosthetics during filming and at the premiere screening. She mentioned that her dog was a comforting presence as he still recognized her. Pilaf, the adorable purse dog, has been making waves globally, even attending events with Moore and posing for pictures.
Dennis Quaid plays the role of a jerk in the movie, as he mentioned during the press conference. The character was initially intended for the late Ray Liotta, who unfortunately passed away in May 2022. Quaid paid tribute to him by giving his best performance.
Version 1: Quaid mentioned that he dedicated the role to Ray Liotta, who was supposed to play it. He wanted to remember him since it was this week, two years ago that he passed away. Ray Liotta was truly an amazing actor.
Cannes went crazy for “The Substance” during its premiere on Sunday evening, showering the film with an 11-minute standing ovation, the longest one at the festival thus far.
During a conversation with Variety, the French filmmaker talked about the feminist elements of the movie, mentioning that body horror is an ideal way to portray the brutality associated with women’s struggles.
With the #MeToo movement gaining momentum in France, there is an underlying theme at this year’s festival. Fargeat aims for her film to bring further attention to the issue. She sees her film as a small contribution to the larger effort needed to address this issue, hoping it will play a part in building awareness and understanding.