How Necessary Is Sex in Movies?

NOTE: This article explores themes of adult intimacy in film, intended for educational purposes and adult audiences.

Why are there movie sex scenes and are they genuinely necessary? Is it all fake and great acting? Do actors and actresses like shooting sex in movies or not? How does a film production secure safety?

These are only a few questions film audiences are interested in for which there’s rarely an answer. In this blog post, we’ll address each significant aspect regarding sex in movies. 

Let’s begin.

So, Are Movie Sex Scenes Inevitable?

Sex in movies isn’t inevitable. It’s only necessary as much as the story needs it. There undoubtedly are movies where sex scenes fit perfectly. However, this isn’t often and many times they’re not shot particularly well.

Film directors often use sex scenes to keep the viewer’s attention, add movie time, and attract audiences. Except in erotic thrillers and movies where the story requires it, there’s rarely a film where you’ll enjoy a sex scene. Of course, it would be pointless to exclude sex in erotic thrillers. That’s like not having a joke in a comedy film. However, many film directors include sex in other film genres.

Essentially, it depends on the director, screenplay, movie genre, etc. Sex scenes have also changed over the years, both regarding shooting and acting.

Do Actors Actually Have Sex in Movies?

In most cases, no. Like they’re acting everything else in the movie, they are also faking the sex.

Actors and actresses often state that sex scenes are unpleasant to shoot. It’s uncomfortable to act intimate with a person you don’t know in front of a movie crew. Your clothes are off, everyone is looking at you, and you can still get aroused, which can also be a bit embarrassing.

99% of the time, actors don’t have real sex in movies. And rightfully so since they’re actors, not adult stars. They don’t have real fights, so why would they have real sex?

Is There Real Sex in Movies At Least Sometimes?

Rarely, but there has been unsimulated sex in movies. Producers and studios even use it for marketing. It’s not surprising since people will see a movie if they know two mainstream actors had real sex in a movie. No matter how bizarre it sounds, it’s true.

The most interesting thing is that it actually makes no real difference to the audience. It’s not like you’ll notice whether a sex scene in a movie is real or fake. That’s why it’s called acting; it looks natural in any case.

Moreover, there’s even an intimacy coordinator on set to make sure there’s a safe environment.

What Is An Intimacy Coordinator?

Intimacy coordinators are movement coaches and/or choreographers for simulated sex, nudity, intimate scenes, and other extremely exposing scenes. An intimacy coordinator is also an advocate, defender, and a connection between production and actors.

They make sure everything runs smoothly, everyone’s protected, and all intimacy looks natural. An intimacy coordinator doesn’t just choreograph sex scenes. They make sure there’s a safe environment, both physically and mentally.

There have been issues in the past. For instance, a controversial sex scene was shot between Maria Schneider and Marlon Brando in Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris. Unfortunately, cases like this have happened but it’s positive that intimacy coordinators are required today.

A List of Movies with Real Sex

Here’s a list of some movies where there has been at least on real sex scene:

• Antichrist – Lars von Trier
• The Idiots – Lars von Trier
• The Brown Bunny – Vincent Gallo
• Love – Gaspar Noé
• 9 Songs – Michael Winterbottom
• Intimacy – Patrice Chéreau
• Shortbus – John Cameron Mitchell
• Lie with Me – Clement Virgo
• Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song – Melvin Van Peebles

Most of these movies are far from excellent. This is another argument that having a sex scene, even a real one, doesn’t make a film good.

Gay and Lesbian Sex in Movies

The situation is different when it comes to lesbian and gay sex in movies. It’s important that such scenes are shot because they break the stigma.

Don’t get me wrong, the same rule applies once again – the movie won’t be better or worse if the story isn’t good enough. Even today, there isn’t a lot of gay sex in movies, especially not on TV. Lesbian sex scenes are more widely accepted. Strangely enough, homophobes are a lot less critical of lesbian sex, which makes them even more hypocritical.

Hence why sociological pressure makes it easier for film directors to shoot sex scenes between women rather than men. However, kudos to directors like Goran Stolevski, who is removing the stigma by filming about gay themes.

Final Thoughts on Sex in Movies

Sex in movies is rarely necessary or filmed interestingly. It’s mostly a trick to keep the audience engaged, add movie time, and it’s suitable for marketing.

If you want to watch movie sex scenes, check Swedish cinema since it’s one of the pioneers regarding sexual liberation. Also, one of the best simulated sex in movies is in The Double Life of Veronique by Krzysztof Kieslowski. It’s perfectly shot, thanks to Kieslowski, the actors, and the cinematographer, Sławomir Idziak.

The best sex in movies happens only when the plot line, story, and overall theme require sexual intercourse. However, focus on watching great movies; don’t bother whether they have a sex scene or not – it’s irrelevant.