Demi Moore is making waves again, this time not just for her style but for her thought-provoking new film The Substance. The movie, which recently premiered at the French Cinematheque, dives deep not only het styles and narratives but also the societal issues tied to body image and identity. Moore, now 61, appeared at the premiere dressed to impress, sporting a stunning pink and blue floral embellished dress paired with a chic black blazer. It was clear she brought her A-game, embodying both elegance and the bold spirit of the film.
Joining her was director Coralie Fargeat, who has earned acclaim for her unique storytelling and bold visuals. At the event, the two women engaged with the film's themes, from the metaphysical to the deeply personal. Moore, reflecting on her own experiences as both an actress and woman, emphasized the need for society to confront its fears surrounding the human body and sexuality, calling out the absurdity of celebrating the body in art yet having taboo around its depiction on screen.
Moore did not shy away from making connections between the film's themes and contemporary issues. From the stage, she remarked, "America is built on Puritans, religious fanatics, and criminals," rooting her insights firmly within the framework of today’s cultural and political climate. According to Moore, the movie serves as both art and social commentary, shining light on issues from addiction to body image concerns—pressing conversation pieces as the U.S. heads toward another election.
Her insights were echoed by Fargeat, who framed The Substance as not merely a film but as her own personal voyage through societal expectations of women. Before the audience, she explained, "It is really what I have lived my own life,” touching on body image standards and the pressures of femininity.
But the premiere wasn't just about dialogue—visually, the film promises to challenge viewers with its intense and often visceral imagery. Central to this are Moore's character, Elisabeth Sparkle, and the younger version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley. Their transformations both physically and psychologically reflect the broader narrative on the effects of societal standards and personal decisions.
Moore elaborated on the intense physical preparations both actresses underwent for their roles. The filming process often involved hours spent undergoing makeup and prosthetic applications—an arduous task requiring immense patience. Moore described her experience saying, "For me, it was anywhere from six to nine and a half hours in the chair. That really requires you to get very still, very zen."
Qualley added some humor to the uncomfortable process, detailing the challenges of crying on cue with prosthetics glued to her face, leading to tears and snot collecting beneath the materials, creating quite the sticky situation. But it was all part of the job: "I had this glued-on mask of my own tears and snot, and they’re just trying to glue it on harder!" she shared, to laughter from the audience.
The intensity of their preparations for the film reflects Moore's larger vision for the film: it’s about pushing boundaries. Both stars are clearly invested in shattering the taboos around women's bodies and addressing the emotional turmoil linked to self-image. Moore asserted, "When we choose to hide ourselves, when we fear being seen, we create isolation. That creates loneliness." Therefore, it’s not just entertainment; it’s also about empowerment.
The overwhelming reception of the film at various festivals indicates it struck a chord with audiences. Fargeat felt the film was her way of challenging existing narratives, describing it as "a big ‘fuck you’ to expectations." This sentiment hints at the raw honesty displayed throughout the film, which some audience members have described as unexpectedly liberative. This challenging of cultural norms couldn’t come at a more pertinent moment as the metrics of beauty continue to evolve.
And let’s take a moment to focus on the fashion narrative of the premiere. Alongside Moore, Fargeat was glamorous as they posed on the red carpet, bringing their characters’ transformation themes to life through their choice of attire. Fargeat donned a deep burgundy strapless gown, adding to the film's embedded theme of transformation and identity—a beautiful facet of the promotion. The partnership between director and actress presents not just two creative talents but also highlights women's collaboration within the film industry, which has often been overlooked.
With the film’s release on streaming platforms like Mubi on the horizon, audiences are eagerly awaiting to experience the gripping narrative and the immersive visual style described by both women. Moore posited, "It feels like we are possibly laying down pieces of the pavement leading toward cultural shifts," hinting at the potential societal conversations the film might spark. The tribute to Moore at the French Cinematheque solidified her influential legacy, but with The Substance, she’s proving there's still room for evolution.
Through this film, she and Fargeat aspire to redefine female representation not just on screen but within society at large. By framing their production through personal stories intertwined with broader societal narratives, they are paving the way for new conversations around women’s experiences and identities. It’s not simply about the past but about framing the future, and as the buzz continues around The Substance, it's clear they have crafted more than just another horror flick; together, they've produced art with the power to inspire.
