Demi Moore links American fears to cinematic taboos in Paris
Demi Moore, a Hollywood icon, appeared on Tuesday at the Cinémathèque Française in Paris, where she proudly presented the French premiere of the film "The Substance" and received a tribute for her entire career. The actress's appearance, however, was not limited to cinematic reflections. Moore also touched on socio-political topics, referencing the current tensions accompanying the elections in the United States.
During her visit to Paris, where she presented the French premiere of "The Substance" and received an award for her entire career from the French Film Library, Demi Moore unexpectedly connected the theme of the new horror directed by Coralie Fargeat with the current political situation in the United States. On the stage of the French Film Library, she highlighted the influence of American roots and religious legacies on contemporary social fears.
America built on fears?
- America is built on Puritans, religious fanatics and criminals - Moore said, referring to ideas that, in her opinion, continue to permeate American reality, especially during elections.
Referring to the film "The Substance," the actress outlined the differences in the approach to topics of the body and sexuality in European and American cultures, emphasizing the taboos that still weigh on the topic of corporeality in her homeland.
- Sexuality is always taboo. And there’s a lot of fear in America around the body. That’s something I’ve never understood or related to. I’ve certainly stirred the pot in a few of the films I’ve chosen, which is partly because [I’ve never understood that fear] of the body. It never made sense why we can celebrate the body in art, but fear it in cinema - Moore said.
A film about loneliness and fear of being seen
The film "The Substance," directed by Coralie Fargeat, captivates with powerful images that confront the viewer with hidden and often uncomfortable aspects of the human body and identity. For Moore, this direct way of presenting corporeality and openness to imperfections turned out to be a form of liberation.
- When we choose to hide ourselves, when we fear being seen, we create isolation. And that creates loneliness. There is greater liberation when you are willing to allow others to see you in all the parts of you, not just the parts that you want them see - Moore stated.
The actress, who is already mature in age, highlighted the importance of accepting oneself naturally and without retouching. As she admitted, appearing on screen without fear of judgment regarding her appearance and imperfections was a kind of act of bravery for her.
- There was something valuable for me in that - showing myself without inhibitions, ready to be seen with flaws and imperfections, as a person clearly not in their twenties or thirties, more 'relaxed' - Moore confessed.
Although the film is full of bloody and brutal scenes, it has a deeper dimension, which Moore attributes to its director's unique perspective.
- Being willing to be seen with flaws, with imperfections, [as someone that is] clearly not 20 or 30 years old, being a little bit more ‘loosely wrapped' - she said.
The actress emphasised that the visual style, symbolism, and the way Fargeat used sound reflect a unique, feminine sensitivity that still too rarely finds expression in the film world.
Therefore, "The Substance" is not just a horror film but also a bold commentary on contemporary fears and limitations related to corporeality. For Moore and Fargeat, it's a project that, by breaking social taboos, tries to provoke reflection on authenticity, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself - without filters and without fear of judgement.
