Michael Douglas has spent decades on screen. He has charmed audiences with his gritty roles and intense performances. But Douglas is more reflective about the industry and the changes that have come with it, especially regarding how Hollywood handles sex scenes these days. After starring in ‘Basic Instinct‘, the actor has some thoughts about the film, and they’re not all warm and fuzzy.
With the advent of new technologies and shifting cultural norms, filmmaking today looks vastly different than it did when he first started as an actor. But even with all these changes, one thing remains constant: Douglas’s commitment to his craft and his willingness to adapt, even as he questions some of the new directions the industry is taking.
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Are Intimacy Coordinators Taking Control Away From Filmmakers?
Michael Douglas was speaking to U.K.’s Radio Times when he opened up about the sex scenes in films these days. “Well, I’m past the age where I’ve got to worry about that,” Douglas, who is now 79 years old, said as per The Telegraph.
He was quick to acknowledge the benefits of intimacy coordinators, as he noted, “There have been some terrible faux pas and harassment.” Yet, Douglas isn’t fully on board with how this trend impacts creative control. “It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers,” he remarked.
And, honestly, he’s not entirely wrong. Hollywood has always been a battleground between creative expression and the powers that filmmakers generally have over the narrative. With intimacy coordinators now a part of SAG-AFTRA’s latest contract, productions are obligated to hire them for intimate scenes. While this is a positive step for actor safety, Douglas hinted at an underlying tension — who’s really running the show here?
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Michael Douglas Says Draws Parallels Between Sex Scenes And Fight Scenes In Films
When it comes to the nitty-gritty of shooting sex scenes, Michael Douglas offers a comparison that’s as surprising as it is accurate. “Sex scenes are like fight scenes, it’s all choreographed,” he explained, drawing from his extensive experience.
According to Douglas, it’s all about communication. “You take responsibility as the man to make sure the woman is comfortable, you talk it through. You say, ‘Okay, I’m gonna touch you here if that’s all right,'” he said.
This approach isn’t just about the actors. ‘Moulin Rouge!‘ star Ewan McGregor, who recently worked with an intimacy coordinator for ‘A Gentleman in Moscow‘, emphasized that it’s also about the crew. “It’s odd to be naked in front of people, it’s odd to be intimate in front of the camera,” he admitted.
It’s easy to romanticize those sizzling on-screen moments, but Douglas’ perspective strips away the fantasy to reveal the meticulous planning behind them. As Douglas wisely points out, “It’s very slow but looks like it’s happening organically, which is hopefully what good acting looks like.”
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