Here's why Michael Douglas compares sex scenes to fight sequences
What's the story
Renowned actor-producer Michael Douglas recently shared his perspective on the changing dynamics of filming intimate scenes in Hollywood. Known for his roles in films like Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, and Disclosure, Douglas pointed out the increasing trend of hiring intimacy coordinators. "It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers—but there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment," he stated during an interview with UK's Radio Times.
Personal method
'You take responsibility as the man...'
Reflecting on his experience with intimate scenes, he stated, "I'm past the age where I've got to worry about that. But it's interesting with all the intimacy coordinators." He compared sex scenes to fight scenes, stating, "It's all choreographed." Emphasizing the importance of ensuring the comfort of his co-stars, he added, "You take responsibility as the man to make sure the woman is comfortable...You say, 'OK, I'm gonna touch you here if that's all right.'"
Varied perspectives
Mixed experiences with intimate scenes in filmmaking
The use of intimacy coordinators on film sets has become more prevalent in recent years, especially following Hollywood's #MeToo movement. Sharing his perspective on intimacy coordinators in a previous interview with The Telegraph, he stated, "I'm sure there were people that overstepped their boundaries, but before, we seemed to take care of that ourselves." "They would get a reputation and that would take care of them," added the Oscar-winning actor.
New norms
Intimacy coordinators: A growing trend in filmmaking
Intimacy coordinators are professionals who work with actors to ensure their comfort during intimate scenes. This practice has recently gained traction, with SAG-AFTRA recommending in its latest union contract that productions should consider hiring them for such scenes. Amy Northup—a New York City-based intimacy coordinator—explained her approach to CBS: "So the first thing we ask the director is, 'What are you picturing? What is the body positioning, the degree of nudity, what actual sex acts do they engage in?'"
Actor's insight
Earlier, Ewan McGregor shared experience with intimacy coordinators
Previously, actor Ewan McGregor shared his experience with an intimacy coordinator while filming the TV series A Gentleman in Moscow alongside his wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead. "It's still necessary because it's also about the crew, and it's odd to be naked in front of people, it's odd to be intimate in front of the camera," he commented. He further compared the role of an intimacy coordinator to that of a choreographer for a dance scene.