One of the topics that has recently been in discussion in Tinseltown has been the presence of intimacy coordinators on sets. And the Basic Instinct star Michael Douglas has also joined the conversation as he shared his stance on the matter in a recent appearance on The Radio Times. The subject of discussion has been widely debated in the film industry.
While some find intimacy coordinators as invaluable resources for filming such scenes, others have voiced opposition for various reasons. Douglas seemed to align with the latter perspective. However, his remarks about ensuring the woman’s comfort do not sit well considering the experience his Basic Instinct co-star had while filming the Oscar-nominated film.
Michael Douglas Weighs in on the Use of Intimacy Coordinators
Known for his steamy performances in movies like Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction, Michael Douglas recently weighed in on the presence of intimacy coordinators on sets. And the 79-year-old actor got candid as he suggested that their presence might strip control from filmmakers.
“It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers,” he told Radio Times in a recent interview. However, the actor acknowledged why intimacy coordinators have been crucial. “But there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment,” he said during the interview.
He also emphasized the choreographed nature of intimate scenes, while arguing that filming such sequences requires open communication and ensuring the woman’s comfort. He said,
“S*x scenes are like fight scenes, it’s all choreographed. 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.'”
The Oscar winner also noted that it helps maintain the authenticity of the performance. “It’s very slow but looks like it’s happening organically, which is hopefully what good acting looks like,” he further said during the interview.
However, it does not seem that such measures were able to ensure the comfort of Douglas’ Basic Instinct co-star Jeanne Tripplehorn, who admitted that she felt so embarrassed that she couldn’t even bring herself to watch her feature film debut.
Jeanne Tripplehorn Reflected on Her Intimate Scenes in Basic Instinct
Starring Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas, the 1992 film Basic Instinct is known for its explicit content. And actress Sharon Stone has been very open about her experience working on the film and how it impacted her career and personal life.
Along with Stone, Jeanne Tripplehorn, who portrayed psychologist Beth Garner in the movie, has also grappled with the challenges of filming intensely intimate scenes. The actress has admitted that she felt embarrassed and uncomfortable as she had to rehearse the scene with her co-star. She shared,
“My first days on the set I was rehearsing a scene with Michael where he rips off my blouse and throws me over a chair. I prefer a look or a smile, which can be just as sexy as ripping off someone’s clothing.”
However, she also revealed that the scene was slightly different initially. Tripplehorn recalled noticing the changes in an interview with Entertainment Weekly,
“Once I was on the set, I could see Paul’s new storyboards and realized what was happening — Before we filmed the thing, I was so nervous I was laughing uncontrollably. But I just followed the script and it was fine — well, except for the bump on my head I got from slamming it against the wall so many times.”
Tripplehorn’s experience prompts reflection on the potential benefits of intimacy coordinators on set, something that Douglas has contemplated. “But I talked to the ladies, [because] I did a few of those s*x movies – s*xual movies,” he said, as per The Telegraph.
The actor further stated, “And we joke about it now, what it would have been like to have an intimacy coordinator working with us.” However, the topic remains divisive within the industry, with some actors finding them beneficial while others oppose their presence for various reasons.
Basic Instinct is available to stream on Prime Video.
