Demi Moore stands as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, captivating audiences since her early days as a Brat-Packer during the thrilling 1980s. Over the years, she has skillfully established a distinctive path, showcasing her exceptional talent in dramatic roles across several acclaimed films such as Ghost, A Few Good Men, and G.I. Jane. Recently, she has experienced a notable resurgence, particularly with her Oscar-worthy performance in the gripping body horror film The Substance. Now making her mark on the small screen, Moore is featured in the highly-anticipated Taylor Sheridan drama Landman, streaming on Paramount+, alongside veteran actor Billy Bob Thornton. However, her role as Cami Miller, the sophisticated wife of billionaire oilman Monty Miller (Jon Hamm), has been frustratingly limited, as she has appeared in just a few scenes with minimal dialogue and no character development.

How ‘Landman’ Underutilizes Demi Moore’s Exceptional Acting Skills

In the series Landman, Billy Bob Thornton portrays Tommy Norris, who serves as an essential intermediary between the wealthy owners of a vast Texas oil company and the local landowners affected by their drilling activities. Tommy navigates a complex landscape filled with negotiations and conflicts, reporting directly to Monty Miller (Hamm), the owner of M-Tex Oil. His role involves not only managing contracts but also addressing the myriad of challenges that arise within the community. The life of an oil wildcatter in the treacherous Permian Basin of Texas is fraught with danger, and Tommy faces numerous personal and professional hurdles, often turning to Monty for guidance on how to navigate these issues effectively.

The performances throughout the series are commendable, with Thornton delivering a stellar portrayal of the irritable landman in Midland, Texas. His strong performance is supported by an equally impressive cast, including Jon Hamm, Ali Larter as Tommy’s ex-wife Angela—who brings both complexity and relatability to her role—and Kayla Wallace as the astute and determined lawyer Rebecca Falcone. Together, they create a formidable ensemble that heightens the drama and tension within the series. While we eagerly anticipate adding Moore’s name to this list of exceptional performances, her presence has been disappointingly sparse. The renowned writer/director Taylor Sheridan is known for his remarkable storytelling, having created hits like Yellowstone, Sicario, and <em>Hell or High Water</em>, yet he sometimes struggles to craft nuanced female roles that extend beyond a specific archetype. While strong female characters are important, there are instances where a greater depth and complexity are needed.

One of the most significant concerns regarding Landman is that Moore’s character, Cami Miller, feels more like an afterthought since the show first aired. It is perplexing to see a powerhouse like Moore relegated to just a handful of scenes across six episodes. The moments she occupies on screen often feel superficial, bordering on voyeuristic. The audience first meets Cami as she swims in the luxurious pool of the Miller estate, only to be presented with close-up shots that objectify her as she emerges from the water. Additionally, she is depicted in traditional female roles—such as a devoted mother cheering for her son during football games and serving coffee to Tommy during business meetings with her husband, Monty. The question arises: what was the intention behind casting Moore if her role is limited to these mundane tasks?

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The series features a star-studded cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Demi Moore, and Jon Hamm.

The Opportunity for ‘Landman’ to Elevate Demi Moore’s Role Remains, But Will It Happen?

Comparatively, other female characters in Landman exhibit substantial depth and agency. Angela, portrayed as a strong-willed and emotionally complex woman, plays a crucial role in driving the narrative forward. Meanwhile, Rebecca is characterized as a razor-sharp and assertive attorney, contributing significantly to the unfolding drama. Throughout the first seven episodes of the series, these female characters have continuously influenced key decisions impacting Tommy and the overall storyline. Even Tommy’s daughter, Aynsley (Michelle Randolph), and Cooper Norris’s (Jacob Lofland) love interest, Ariana (Paulina Chávez), inject youthful energy and vitality into the series, adding diverse perspectives to the dynamic plot of Landman. Given Moore’s immense talent and experience, it raises the question of why her character has not been developed in a way that truly utilizes her strengths, relegating her to the sidelines despite being the most accomplished actress in the cast.

It’s plausible that Sheridan cast Moore primarily for her star power or perhaps due to her desire to collaborate with one of the leading figures in the neo-Western genre. There remains a chance that Cami Miller could see a more significant character arc in the final episodes of Landman’s inaugural season. However, this prospect seems unlikely; introducing a deeper layer to her character at this late stage would likely appear forced and inconsistent with her portrayal thus far. The series would greatly benefit from allowing Moore to take center stage and showcase her remarkable skills, enhancing what is already a compelling addition to Sheridan’s impressive body of work in television.

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Set against the harsh backdrop of West Texas, a dedicated team of landmen navigates the intricate world of securing oil and gas leases, acting as crucial intermediaries between landowners and energy corporations. The storyline revolves around a determined landman whose ambitions within the energy sector push him to engage in complex negotiations fraught with moral dilemmas. The show delves into the fierce competition and the extensive impact of the landmen’s agreements, illuminating the intersection of personal ambition with the community and environmental consequences.

Release Date

November 17, 2024

Cast

Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Colm Feore, Robyn Lively, Drake Rodger, Brook Sill, K.C. Clyde, Rosemary Dominguez, Mustafa Speaks, J.R. Villarreal, Octavio Rodriguez, Michael Pena, Emilio Rivera, Alex Meraz, Alejandro Akara

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

1

Where To Watch

Paramount Plus

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Landman is available for streaming on Paramount+ in the United States.

WATCH ON PARAMOUNT+