Podcast Summary: The Interview – "Demi Moore Is Done With the Male Gaze [Re-Run]"

Introduction

In this compelling re-run episode of The Interview by The New York Times, hosts David Marchese and Lulu Garcia-Navarro engage in an insightful conversation with acclaimed actress Demi Moore. Originally conducted as Moore prepared to release her film The Substance, the interview gains renewed relevance following her first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Actress for the same film. This in-depth discussion delves into Moore's multifaceted career, personal struggles, and her transformative journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment.

1. Exploring The Substance

The conversation opens with Lulu Garcia-Navarro reflecting on The Substance, a film that blends dark comedy with body horror to examine the pressures faced by aging women in Hollywood. Moore describes her character, Elizabeth Sparkle, an aging actress who uses a mysterious elixir to create a younger version of herself, offering a visceral portrayal of society's obsession with youth.

"[...] Moore's character takes this strange elixir that allows her to create a younger, more perfect version of herself, and you can see that creation in bloody, visceral detail." (00:35)

Moore explains her attraction to the role, emphasizing the emotional and societal implications rather than personal identification.

Demi Moore (04:11): “I don't feel I am her. This is a woman who has no family. She's dedicated her entire life to her career. And when that's taken, what does she have?”

2. The Male Gaze and Aging in Hollywood

A central theme of the discussion is the pervasive male gaze in Hollywood and its impact on women's self-image. Moore critiques the industry's unspoken standards that equate a woman's desirability with her fertility and physical appearance.

Demi Moore (05:02): “It's the violence that we have against ourselves, the lack of love and self-acceptance. And that, you know, within the story, we have this male perspective of the idealized woman that I feel like we as women have bought into.”

Moore further elaborates on specific scenes from The Substance, addressing the vulnerability required to portray an aging actress openly and the societal judgments that accompany it.

Demi Moore (06:49): “I knew it would be challenging, but potentially really important, important exploration on the issue.”

3. Personal Vulnerability and Body Image

Moore discusses the personal bravery involved in exposing her natural aging process on screen, contrasting it with societal expectations for women to maintain perpetual youthfulness.

Lulu Garcia-Navarro (06:19): “You’re naked in a lot of the film. And I was thinking about what it meant for you to be so exposed now in your 60s, as opposed to your 20s.”

Demi Moore (07:32): “I think part of it was realizing that I'm here to define who I am at almost 62, and I don't need to play by any rules that have existed up until now.”

The conversation touches on the liberation Moore felt by embracing imperfections and rejecting traditional beauty standards.

Demi Moore (09:10): “I felt more proud of the power between showing the two, the vulnerable part and the part that has yet to experience.”

4. Career Reflections and Pay Equity

Moore reflects on her trailblazing role in advocating for pay equity long before it became mainstream. She recounts the challenges of being the highest-paid actress and the backlash that ensued, highlighting the systemic issues within Hollywood.

Demi Moore (22:33): “Why shouldn't I? If I'm doing the same amount of work, why shouldn't I?”

Moore discusses the significance of her equal pay not as a personal competition but as a critical step toward setting new standards for all female actors.

Demi Moore (22:15): “I never really spoke about it because for me it wasn't about comparing myself to him. It was about my own competition with myself.”

5. Personal Struggles and Memoir

The dialogue shifts to Moore's memoir, where she candidly shares her tumultuous upbringing and complex relationship with her mother. She delves into the emotional battles she faced, including issues with self-image and substance abuse, and how these experiences shaped her resilience.

Demi Moore (14:23): “How did I get here? Coming from where I came from... it gave me a deep compassion for my mother.”

Moore emphasizes the therapeutic aspect of writing her memoir, allowing her to process and find compassion for her past.

6. Sobriety Journey

A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Moore's journey to sobriety. She recounts her battle with addiction, the pivotal moments that led to her commitment to sobriety, and the ongoing challenges she faces.

Lori Leibovich (28:27): “Now I can go into a room, a gathering, and if I'm uncomfortable, I don't need to try to take the edge off it.”

Moore discusses the profound impact sobriety has had on her emotional well-being and relationships, highlighting the importance of emotional sobriety alongside physical abstinence.

Demi Moore (34:26): “I had almost 20 years of sobriety. I had a detour, and now I have over 12 years.”

7. Cultural Shifts in Hollywood

Moore expresses her optimism regarding the cultural shifts in Hollywood, recognizing the strides made in gender equality and the empowerment of women in the industry. She notes how newer generations of actresses are benefitting from changes she fought for, even if those changes came late in her career.

Demi Moore (24:55): “I'm excited to see the shift. It's a natural progression of women stepping in and taking their place.”

Moore balances her disappointment in not experiencing these changes earlier with her appreciation for the progress being made today.

Demi Moore (25:57): “I feel equally in, like celebration that, thank God it is.”

8. Reflections on Fame and Personal Life

In the closing segments, Moore touches on her relationship with fame and her current personal life, including her support for her husband, Bruce Willis. She shares her evolved perspective on public attention and maintaining personal peace amidst ongoing media scrutiny.

Demi Moore (36:49): “What I realized is our bodies don't know the difference between a gun and a camera. All we know is we're being, like, we're being gone after.”

Moore conveys a sense of acceptance and grace in handling fame, focusing on personal growth and familial support.

Conclusion

This episode of The Interview offers a profound exploration of Demi Moore's life, both professionally and personally. From her fearless portrayal of aging in Hollywood to her advocacy for pay equity and her triumphant journey through sobriety, Moore's narrative is one of resilience and empowerment. Listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of a woman who has continually redefined her identity against societal expectations. As The Substance garners critical acclaim and Moore receives her Oscar nomination, this interview serves as a testament to her enduring influence and evolving legacy in the arts and beyond.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Demi Moore (05:02): “It's the violence that we have against ourselves, the lack of love and self-acceptance.”
• Demi Moore (07:32): “I think part of it was realizing that I'm here to define who I am at almost 62.”
• Demi Moore (14:23): “How did I get here? Coming from where I came from...”
• Demi Moore (22:33): “Why shouldn't I? If I'm doing the same amount of work, why shouldn't I?”
• Demi Moore (24:55): “I'm excited to see the shift. It's a natural progression of women stepping in and taking their place.”
• Demi Moore (36:49): “Our bodies don't know the difference between a gun and a camera.”

This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of Demi Moore's interview, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed without needing to listen to the original episode.