The 'Ant-Man' actor is not really keen with having intimacy coordinators on movie sets as he opens up about his experiences and the role of intimacy coordinators in today's film industry.
- May 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - In recent years, the film industry has undergone significant changes, particularly in how intimate scenes are approached and executed. One of the most notable shifts has been the increasing use of intimacy coordinators to oversee these scenarios, ensuring the comfort and consent of all actors involved. Veteran actor Michael Douglas shared his insights on this evolution, juxtaposing his past experiences with current practices, in a series of revealing interviews.
Douglas, whose career includes roles in sexually charged thrillers like "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct," reflected on the new dynamics on set. "It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers - but there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment," Douglas pointed out in conversations with the Radio Times, as reported via The Telegraph.
He acknowledged that while the intention behind employing intimacy coordinators is to prevent misconduct and ensure a safe environment, it also represents a shift in power dynamics, taking some control away from directors and filmmakers.
Back in the day, Douglas recalled, sex scenes required actors to rely heavily on mutual trust and communication. "In my experience, you take responsibility as the man to make sure the woman is comfortable, you talk it through. You say, 'Ok, I'm gonna touch you here if that's all right'. It's very slow but looks like it's happening organically, which is hopefully what good acting looks like," he mused.
While Douglas noted that behaviors crossing the boundary used to be self-regulated within the industry - with individuals overstepping their bounds gaining reputations that would eventually sideline them - he also recognized the necessity for change.
This acknowledgment comes amidst broader industry reflections on the need for intimacy coordinators, with stars like Kate Winslet expressing regret at not having such support during their early careers. Winslet notably stated, "It would have been nice to have had someone in my corner, because I always had to stand up for myself."
Interestingly, not everyone in Hollywood shares Douglas' ambivalence. Some, like Ewan McGregor, see the role of intimacy coordinators as crucial, whereas others, like Toni Collette, have expressed discomfort with their presence on set, suggesting it adds anxiety rather than alleviates it.
As the industry moves forward, the dialogue between past practices and current measures to ensure safety and respect on set continues. Michael Douglas' reflections offer a window into how Hollywood is grappling with these necessary yet complex changes, aiming to balance artistic control with a safe working environment for all.
