In a candid discussion, Demi Moore opened up about the challenges of full frontal nudity in the upcoming film ‘The Substance’. Reflecting on the experience, Moore described it as deeply vulnerable but emphasized the crucial support she received from co-star Margaret Qualley, who helped her feel secure throughout the process.
Demi Moore’s latest foray into the feminist body horror genre, ‘The Substance’, showcases her in several scenes of full nudity. At the Cannes Film Festival press conference on Monday, the 61-year-old actress opened up about the intense vulnerability required for her role.
“From the outset, it was clear – the level of vulnerability and rawness essential to convey this story,” Moore explained. “It was an incredibly vulnerable experience, demanding great sensitivity and numerous discussions about our objectives.”
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, known for ‘Revenge’, Moore plays a fading celebrity who turns to a black market drug to rejuvenate herself. This drug, a cell-replicating device, creates a younger, enhanced version of her character, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. Moore’s character must coexist with this new entity, spending much of her time in a dormant state to let the other thrive. In a striking early scene, Moore’s character scrutinizes Qualley’s nude form before initiating the drug – a stark but necessary display of full-frontal nudity for both actresses.
Moore praised Qualley, who was absent from the press conference due to another filming commitment, for providing a sense of security on set. “Margaret was an amazing partner who made me feel very safe,” Moore said. “We were often quite close, and frequently naked, finding humor in the absurdity of those moments. Ultimately, it’s about clear communication and mutual trust.”
As the film progresses, Moore’s character becomes grotesquely disfigured, tormented by her other half. By the movie’s climax, she resembles Anjelica Huston’s character in ‘The Witches’ post-transformation. “Seeing myself in those prosthetics was very strange,” Moore admitted. “One thing that grounded me was that my dog still recognized me. It was my touchstone of reality.”
The dog, Pilaf, a purse-sized pooch, has become a sensation, recently seen with Moore at the Gucci cruise collection runway show and on the Croisette.
Dennis Quaid, also starring in the film, described his character as “an asshole” during the press conference. He dedicated his performance to the late Ray Liotta, who was originally cast in the role before his passing in May 2022. “In my heart, I dedicated this role to Ray,” Quaid said. “It was this week two years ago that he passed, and I want to remember him. He was an incredible actor.”
‘The Substance’ received an 11-minute standing ovation at its Sunday night premiere, the festival’s longest so far. In an interview with ‘Variety’, director Fargeat discussed the film’s feminist themes, stating that body horror aptly conveys the violence inherent in women’s issues. Amidst the #MeToo movement’s ongoing influence, particularly in France, Fargeat hopes her film will further illuminate these matters. “It’s a small stone in the massive wall we still need to build regarding this issue. I hope my film adds to that wall, as that’s what I intended with it.”
