Jennifer Lawrence Explains 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 performers who voice skepticism about the necessity of on-set intimacy professionals, revealing she opted against their assistance while working on her new movie Die My Love.

Understanding the Purpose of Intimacy Coordinators

Intimacy coordinators were introduced following the #MeToo era to ensure the safety and comfort of actors during sequences involving partial undress and intimate moments. Yet, numerous prominent performers including Gwyneth Paltrow and other established stars have voiced concerns about their involvement, with several claiming they interfere with creative flow.

Lawrence's Personal Experience

In conversation on the popular culture podcast, while promoting her new film where she portrays a woman descending into postpartum disturbance, the actress stated: "We did not have an intimacy coordinator, or perhaps we did have one but didn't make use of their services... I felt completely safe with Robert."

She elaborated: "He is not pervy and very committed to Suki Waterhouse. What we discussed primarily focused on our children and personal connections. There was never awkward tension or doubts about professional limits."

"Had there been the slightest indication of discomfort, I definitely would have requested an on-set professional. Many male actors get upset if you aren't interested in their advances, and subsequently the negative treatment starts. He was not like that."

Industry Recognition and Continuing Discussion

Recently, entertainment database IMDb officially recognized intimacy coordinators as a distinct credit, together with eleven other crew positions including dance direction, craft services, and puppet operation. Previously, they were categorized as "miscellaneous staff" rather than having their own designation.

Despite this recognition, these professionals still encounter media scrutiny suggesting they aren't necessarily industry essential, with well-known actors rejecting their participation. 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.

Jennifer's Perspective

"Jon was extremely respectful – I mean each action, between takes, 'Are you OK?" she recalled. "The scenes were also very choreographed. That's the advantage of working with skilled editors, appropriate music. So, minimal preparation is needed."

She added, "Production suggested, 'Having someone check if you're comfortable,' and I thought, 'Honestly, this is awkward enough!' We're experienced professionals – we can handle this. And we had Mimi present."

Other Examples and Industry Reaction

Despite featuring numerous scenes of sexual activity and frequent nudity, the award-winning film – the director's acclaimed film about a adult entertainer and a Russian oligarch's son – filmed without an intimacy coordinator.

The film's star stated she and co-star her screen partner "concluded it would be best to keep it small."

"The role I play is a professional in adult entertainment, and I had researched the director's work and understood his commitment to authenticity. I was mentally prepared for it. As an performer, I treated it as part of my job."

Her comments generated strong reactions from industry professionals, mirroring the reaction to Gwyneth Paltrow's public statements, who recently revealed that filming her new movie Marty Supreme represented her first encounter with the relatively new profession, which she "did not know existed."

Gwyneth's Viewpoint

During filming about personal ease with a particular action alongside fellow actor her younger counterpart, the actress responded: "I'm from the era where you remove clothing, you assume position, the camera's on."

She continued that she and Chalamet then told the professional: "We believe we're good. You can maintain distance.' I can't speak to 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, very stifled by that."

Professional Reaction

After these statements, former Channel 4 drama head Caroline Hollick described them as "irresponsible" and highlighted that most of those opposing these professionals have established careers to maintain personal authority and security on production locations.

"Occasionally an actor shares opinions about whether they appreciate on-set professionals or not," said Hollick. "Gwyneth Paltrow 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 much younger than her, although likely he is comfortable, I found it quite an irresponsible statement."

Actor's Viewpoint

Michael Douglas, meanwhile, shared that he feels the primary responsibility during heterosexual sex scenes falls on the male performer, instead of a external professional.

"In my experience, you take responsibility as the male actor to make certain the woman is at ease, you discuss it completely," he explained. "You state, '{OK, I'm going to make contact there if that's agreeable'. It's extremely careful but appears like it's happening naturally, which is hopefully what convincing acting appears as."

John Norman
John Norman

Tech enthusiast and digital strategist with a passion for emerging technologies and their impact on society.