AceShowbiz - Demi Moore has shared that filming a particularly "heart-wrenching" scene in her new movie "The Substance" proved to be a grueling experience. In a Variety interview, Moore revealed that she had to endure 45 "very difficult" takes of the scene, which left her emotionally and physically drained.

Moore portrays Elisabeth Sparkle in the upcoming horror film, a fading celebrity who encounters a black market drug that temporarily transforms her into a younger version of herself. In one poignant scene, Moore's character prepares for a date and repeatedly applies and removes makeup out of anxiety over looking old.

Filming the scene took a heavy toll on Moore. She explained that she felt "raw" after numerous takes of applying and removing her makeup. Director Coralie Fargeat recognized the emotional strain the scene had on Moore, commenting that something "broke" inside her during filming.

Moore acknowledged that the scene resonated with her own experiences of aging. She reflected on the societal pressures women face to maintain their appearance, noting that the pursuit of perfection often leads to self-sabotage.

The actress also revealed that she experienced health issues during production. She contracted shingles and lost 20 pounds during her week off from filming. Co-star Margaret Qualley, who plays Moore's clone, also encountered physical challenges, including severe acne.

Despite the difficulties, Moore expressed pride in her career and her evolving perspective on aging. She believes that age should not limit one's abilities and that women in their middle years are now finding more opportunities in Hollywood.

Moore highlighted the importance of challenging societal norms and empowering women of all ages. She emphasized the power of making positive choices and acknowledging that we can change our perspectives on ourselves and our bodies.

"The Substance" serves as a poignant exploration of the complex themes surrounding aging, body image and the societal pressures faced by women. It is set to premiere on September 18 and features a cast that includes Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid.