Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Why She Didn't Use an On-Set Intimacy Professional on New Film Her Upcoming Movie
The acclaimed actress has become part of the increasing number of actors who express doubts about the necessity of intimacy coordinators, revealing she chose not to use their assistance while working on her latest project Die My Love.
Examining the Role of On-Set Intimacy Professionals
On-set intimacy professionals emerged following the #MeToo movement to ensure the safety and ease of actors during scenes involving partial undress and sexual content. However, numerous well-known performers including Gwyneth Paltrow and other established stars have voiced concerns about their involvement, with several suggesting they interfere with artistic process.
Jennifer's On-Set Perspective
In conversation on the Las Culturistas podcast, while discussing her new film where she portrays a character experiencing mental health challenges, the actress stated: "We chose not to use such a professional, or perhaps we had the option but didn't really utilize them... I felt completely safe with Robert."
She continued: "Rob is not pervy and deeply devoted to Suki Waterhouse. Our conversations primarily focused on family life and relationships. There was never awkward tension or questions about personal boundaries."
"If there was the slightest indication of unease, I definitely would have requested an intimacy coordinator. Numerous male performers take offense if you don't reciprocate their attention, and then the negative treatment begins. He was completely different."
Industry Recognition and Continuing Discussion
Recently, entertainment database IMDb officially recognized on-set intimacy professionals as a distinct credit, together with multiple additional professional roles including dance direction, catering, and puppetry. Before this, they were categorized as "miscellaneous staff" rather than having their specific credit.
Despite this recognition, these professionals continue to face public discussion implying they might not be industry essential, with well-known performers declining their participation. Lawrence's perspective echoes that of Jennifer Aniston, who previously revealed she declined professional supervision while filming alongside Jon Hamm on The Morning Show.
Aniston's Experience
"Jon was extremely respectful – I mean every move, every cut, 'Are you OK?" she recalled. "It was additionally carefully planned. That's the benefit of working with skilled editors, appropriate music. So, you don't prepare."
She added, "Production suggested, 'Having someone check if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Honestly, this is awkward enough!' We're experienced professionals – we can handle this. And we had our director on set."
Additional Cases and Industry Reaction
Although including numerous scenes of sexual activity and frequent nudity, the award-winning film – the director's acclaimed project about a sex worker and a Russian oligarch's son – filmed without an intimacy coordinator.
Mikey Madison stated she and fellow actor her screen partner "concluded it would be preferable to keep it small."
"My character is a sex worker, and I had researched the director's work and understood his commitment to authenticity. I was mentally prepared for it. As an actress, I approached it as part of my job."
These statements generated significant backlash from intimacy coordinators, mirroring the response to another actress's public statements, who earlier this year revealed that filming her forthcoming project her latest film marked her initial experience with the emerging role, which she "was unaware of previously."
Paltrow's Perspective
During filming about personal ease with a specific move alongside fellow actor Timothée Chalamet, the actress answered: "I'm from the generation where you remove clothing, you get in bed, the camera's on."
She continued that she and Chalamet then told the coordinator: "We think we're good. You can step back.' I can't speak to how it is for newer performers, but... if someone is directing, '{OK, then he's going to place his hand here,' I would feel, as an artist, extremely restricted by that."
Industry Response
Following these comments, former Channel 4 drama head an experienced producer labeled them "irresponsible" and highlighted that most of those speaking against intimacy coordinators have established careers to command their own power and security on film sets.
"Occasionally an actor shares opinions about whether they value on-set professionals or not," commented the executive. "The actress stated she came of age in a time when industry professionals 'took our kit off and got on with it'. As a established actress in Hollywood performing alongside a actor considerably junior than her, while I'm sure Chalamet is chill, I considered it quite an irresponsible statement."
Male Perspective
The veteran actor, in contrast, expressed that he feels the primary responsibility during heterosexual sex scenes rests with the male performer, instead of a third party.
"Based on my career, you assume duty as the male actor to ensure the woman is at ease, you discuss it thoroughly," he said. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to make contact there if that's acceptable'. It's very deliberate but appears like it's occurring organically, which is hopefully what authentic performance looks like."