Jennifer Lawrence Explains Why She Didn't Use an On-Set Intimacy Professional on New Film Die My Love
Jennifer Lawrence has joined the growing list of performers who voice skepticism about the necessity of intimacy coordinators, revealing she opted against their assistance while working on her new movie her upcoming film.
Understanding the Role of On-Set Intimacy Professionals
On-set intimacy professionals were introduced following the #MeToo era to ensure the security and ease of performers during sequences involving nudity and intimate moments. However, several prominent performers including Jennifer Aniston and Sean Bean have voiced concerns about their presence, with some suggesting they interfere with creative flow.
Lawrence's On-Set Perspective
Speaking during the popular culture podcast, while promoting her new film where she portrays a character descending into mental health challenges, Lawrence commented: "We chose not to use an intimacy coordinator, or maybe we had the option but didn't make use of their services... I felt completely safe with Robert."
She continued: "He is not pervy and deeply devoted to his partner. What we discussed mostly focused on our children and personal connections. There was absolutely no uncomfortable moments or doubts about personal boundaries."
"Had there been the slightest indication of discomfort, I would have requested an on-set professional. Many male actors get upset if you aren't interested in their attention, and then the negative treatment starts. He was not like that."
Industry Recognition and Continuing Discussion
Earlier this week, industry platform IMDb formally acknowledged on-set intimacy professionals as a distinct credit, alongside multiple additional crew positions including choreography, catering, and puppet operation. Previously, they were grouped under "additional crew" rather than having their own designation.
Notwithstanding this validation, these professionals continue to face media scrutiny implying they aren't necessarily required standards, with high-profile actors declining their involvement. Lawrence's perspective mirrors that of Jennifer Aniston, who previously revealed she refused professional supervision while filming alongside her co-star on their television series.
Aniston's Experience
"He proved to be such a gentleman â truly each action, between takes, 'You comfortable?'" she remembered. "It was also very choreographed. That's the benefit of working with talented directors, suitable lighting. So, minimal preparation is needed."
She added, "Production suggested, 'Having someone check if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Honestly, this is awkward enough!' We're seasoned actors â we can manage appropriately. And we had our director present."
Other Examples and Professional Response
Despite featuring multiple sequences of intimate moments and frequent nudity, Anora â Sean Baker's Oscar-winning film about a adult entertainer and a wealthy heir â proceeded without an intimacy coordinator.
Mikey Madison explained she and co-star her screen partner "concluded it would be preferable to maintain privacy."
"My character is a professional in adult entertainment, and I had researched the director's work and understood his dedication to realism. I was mentally prepared for it. As an actress, I approached it as professional work."
These statements provoked strong reactions from industry professionals, mirroring the reaction to another actress's public statements, who recently shared that working on her forthcoming project her latest film marked her first encounter with the relatively new profession, which she "did not know existed."
Paltrow's Perspective
During filming about comfort level with a particular action alongside co-star Timothée Chalamet, the actress answered: "I belong to the generation where you remove clothing, you assume position, the filming begins."
She continued that she and Chalamet then informed the professional: "We believe we're good. You can maintain distance.' I don't know how it is for emerging actors, 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."
Professional Reaction
After these statements, industry executive an experienced producer labeled them "concerning" and pointed out that the majority of those opposing these professionals have established careers to maintain personal authority and protection on film sets.
"Occasionally an performer makes comments about whether they value intimacy coordinators or not," commented the executive. "Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned she came of age in a time when industry professionals 'took our kit off and got on with it'. As a powerful woman in Hollywood working with a man considerably junior than her, while I'm sure Chalamet is chill, I considered it somewhat concerning remark."
Actor's Viewpoint
The veteran actor, in contrast, expressed that he believes the main obligation during intimate sequences falls on the male performer, rather than a external professional.
"Based on my career, you take responsibility as the man to ensure the female co-star is at ease, you talk through thoroughly," he explained. "You state, '{OK, I'm going to make contact there if that's agreeable'. It's very deliberate but seems like it's happening naturally, which is ideally what convincing acting appears as."