Demi Moore reminisces about the rigorous preparation she underwent for her role in *G.I. Jane*. Moore starred in the 1997 U.S. military film *G.I. Jane*, directed by Ridley Scott. Alongside Moore, the film featured a prominent cast including Viggo Mortensen, Anne Bancroft, Jason Beghe, Daniel von Bargen, John Michael Higgins, Kevin Gage, and David Warshofsky. This role remains one of the most significant in Moore’s career.
In a conversation with *Variety*, Moore shared insights into the demanding training regimen she undertook for her portrayal in *G.I. Jane*.
The former *G.I. Jane* actress recounted participating in a “two-week modified SEAL training” before stepping into her role. This training was intense, with Moore being addressed solely by her character’s name rather than her real one. The training team employed “sneaky tactics to authentically replicate the reality of the experience.” On one occasion, they deliberately caused Moore to be late so she could experience public reprimand. Below is Moore’s full statement:
“We did a two-week modified SEAL training, and it was me and 40 guys. And it was hardcore. They never called me by my real name, only by my character name. They did a lot of sneaky things to really bring the reality of what the experience was. I mean, they set me up to be a little late, then called me up in front of everybody, but that’s why you do it.”
The Significance of *G.I. Jane* in Demi Moore’s Career
A Distinctive Role for the Actress
Before *G.I. Jane*, Moore was primarily recognized for portraying romantic leads and characters with strong sexual appeal. Her notable performances included roles such as Diana Murphy in *Indecent Proposal*, Marina Lemke in *The Butcher’s Wife*, and Erin Grant in *Striptease*. Coupled with her modeling background, Moore’s femininity and allure were heavily marketed aspects of her Hollywood image, influencing her acting roles throughout the ’90s.
Will G.I. Jane 2 Ever Happen?
*G.I. Jane* dramatically shifted this perception. In the 1997 film, Moore was depicted not as a typical, hyper-feminized beauty, but as a resilient, combative woman. Her head was shaved for the role, and she wore minimal makeup, allowing audiences to view Moore in a completely new light. Despite *G.I. Jane* being unlike any other role in her career, its uniqueness makes it one of her most memorable performances.
*G.I. Jane* is available for streaming on Tubi and for rental on Prime Video.
Following this, Moore took on a role in 2003’s *Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle*, which blended her *G.I. Jane* experience with her earlier roles, showcasing her as both an action star and a captivating, seductive figure. In her forthcoming projects, Moore will embrace one of her more intriguing roles by leading the upcoming body horror film *The Substance*. In *The Substance*, she portrays an aging actress who consumes a black market drug to appear younger, serving as a meta commentary on the high beauty standards of the world Moore was once deeply involved in.
Source: *Variety*
G.I. Jane
- Drama
- Action
G.I. Jane follows the grueling experience of Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil, played by Demi Moore, the first woman to undergo training in the U.S. Navy SEAL program. Facing extreme physical and mental challenges, the film highlights her fight against institutional sexism and personal limits.
