Demi Moore Challenges Hollywood's Taboos with 'The Substance'

Hollywood icon Demi Moore, acclaimed for her role in 'The Substance', addresses the discrepancy between celebrating the body in art and fearing it in cinema. Speaking at the French Cinematheque, Moore highlights her choice to depict women beyond perfection, marking a transformative moment in her career.

Hollywood star Demi Moore has returned to the spotlight with a powerful performance in the French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat's latest project, 'The Substance'. The 61-year-old actress, renowned for her roles in films like 'Indecent Proposal' and 'Disclosure', shared her views on America's discomfort with sexuality and the human body. Moore, speaking at the film's French premiere at the Cinematheque Francaise, questioned why the body is celebrated in art but feared in cinema.

In a reflective commentary, Moore expressed her inability to understand the societal taboo surrounding the body and sex in American culture. She acknowledged that her past film choices might have stirred controversy due to this very topic. Moore emphasized the value she found in participating in 'The Substance', a project that disrupts traditional narrative roles of women on screen, arguing for authenticity and acceptance of imperfection.

The film highlights a middle-aged actor and former TV fitness instructor Elizabeth, portrayed by Moore, who grapples with her identity after being let go at age 50. Elizabeth's journey takes a turn with a product claiming to restore one's best self, albeit at a significant cost. 'The Substance' received a remarkable 11-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival, featuring Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid alongside Moore.

(With inputs from agencies.)