Demi Moore, the iconic actress known for her stunning looks and daring roles, is once again making headlines—but this time, it’s not about her body but her vulnerability. In a candid interview with Elle magazine, Moore opened up about her latest film, “The Substance,” and the personal journey she undertook to bring the character to life.
Confronting The “Bugs the S— Out of Me” Moment
In one particularly vulnerable scene, director Coralie Fargeat filmed a close-up shot of Moore’s behind, a decision that the actress initially struggled with. “It’s like, ugh,” Moore told Elle. “It irritates me greatly.” Moore chose to embrace the vulnerability instead of requesting an edit to the scene. “I didn’t ask for any adjustments because I knew it was in service of something that was more important than me,” she explained.
Moore’s willingness to confront her own insecurities in service of the film’s message is a testament to her commitment to her craft. “There was an incredibly liberating aspect to stepping into this really vulnerable, exposed place emotionally and physically,” she said. “The film provided me with the chance to examine how my ego was taking control, where I was relinquishing my authority, and it encouraged me to embrace my true self with more gentleness and acceptance.”
Redefining Desirability And Aging
Moore’s journey with her body image has been a complex one, marked by both triumphs and struggles. She has been outspoken about the pressure she faced in Hollywood to maintain a certain physical appearance, recalling a time when a producer “pulled me aside. It was very embarrassing and humiliating.”
But Moore has also challenged the industry’s expectations, notably when she appeared in a bikini in “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” at the age of 40. “I never imagined in a million years that the shot of me in Charlie’s Angels would become such a big conversation,” she said. “But I was 40, which meant I shouldn’t have a body that was desirable—that’s what I challenged.”
Now, at 62, Moore is continuing to redefine the narrative around aging and desirability. “We used to relegate women to the sidelines, making them seem almost asexual,” she said. “It’s not like I’ve set out to redefine that; it’s really that I’ve been trying to find what’s truthful and authentic within myself—and if I can do that, then hopefully that’s reflected for others.”
Finding Beauty In Appreciation, Not Comparison
Moore’s journey has taught her the importance of self-acceptance and appreciation, rather than constantly comparing herself to others. “The more I appreciate the lines in the corner of my eyes—the more I can find beauty in the life that I’ve lived—the more my life has beauty,” she said.
Scout, Moore’s own daughter, echoes this sentiment, telling her once, “You’re always wasting time focusing on all that you’re not, when you could be celebrating all that you are.” For Moore, this realization has been transformative, shifting her focus from what she’s “not” to celebrating the beauty of who she is.
A Newfound Award Buzz
Moore’s powerful performance in “The Substance” is generating significant awards buzz, a new experience for the actress. “Until now, that conversation hasn’t really included me,” she stated. “So, I’m feeling a lot of appreciation, and at the same time, I’m keeping myself right-sized, because, in truth, I didn’t know if this film would work at all.”
Despite the accolades, Moore remains grounded, acknowledging that the process of making the film was anything but glamorous. In reference to her co-star, Margaret Qualley, she said, “What’s onscreen is this brief moment, versus the entire day I spent there with her having to fall with her full weight on me.”
As Demi Moore continues to push the boundaries and redefine the narratives around aging, body image, and the industry’s expectations, her journey serves as an inspiration to women everywhere. By baring her soul and embracing her vulnerability, Moore reminds us all that true beauty lies not in perfection but in the authentic expression of our lived experiences.
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