In ‘The Substance,’ directed by Coralie Fargeat, Demi Moore portrays Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading star who injects a dubious drug to spawn a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley. The film delves into themes of self-judgment and societal beauty standards, with Moore spending much of her screen time interacting with her own reflection or a looming portrait of her younger self. These scenes provided Moore with a unique acting challenge, as she grappled with the discomfort of confronting her own image. She utilized this discomfort to enhance her performance, bringing depth to Elisabeth’s internal struggle. The film has garnered significant attention since its debut at Cannes, leading to Moore’s first Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Reflecting on her journey, Moore acknowledges the liberation she found in embracing vulnerability and confronting layers of self-judgment, both personally and through her character.
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