Portraying Sex In Movies

I was a Canadian teenager in the ’60’s and ’70’s. With all the abandon towards sexual taboos. Then things got more straight-laced in the Naughties. Now we start to ditch some of the social stigmas about sex, there is a noticeable increase in the depiction of sex in movies. Gone is the sexual revolution of the 1960’s and the free love immortalised by the Beatles in “All you need is Love”. Movie sex has indeed become more acceptable in many parts of the world due to shifts in cultural norms and the influence of global media consumption. The change in sexual patterns in cinema can be attributed to these factors:

How we portray sex in movies

More Open Societal Attitudes:
As societies become more open about discussing sex and sexuality, these themes are increasingly reflected in cinema. This openness has allowed filmmakers to explore complex, realistic, and diverse stories involving sexual themes.

Influence of Streaming Platforms:
We ar now becoming accustomed to platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO. These platforms have totally changed viewing patterns. Streamers operate under different censorship regulations than traditional film studios. This allows for more graphic or explicit content. They also cater to niche audiences, providing a space for more varied and explicit portrayals of sex.

Artistic and Narrative Depth:

Modern audiences now see sex as a crucial aspect of human experience.  Screenwriters and filmmakers add depth and realism to storytelling. When done thoughtfully, these portrayals of sexual interaction can enhance character development and plot progression. By exploraing sex, new films become more relatable and emotionally engaging to audiences.

Shifts in Film Rating Systems:

Changes in rating systems and their application have allowed more films with explicit content to reach broader audiences. The ratings still guide viewer discretion but have adapted to more liberal attitudes toward sex in media.

Increased Focus on Consent and Ethics:

The new role of intimacy coordinator means that filmmakers can better handle sex scenes. Employing an intimacy coordinator means that scenes of a sexual nature can be filmed responsibly without putting the performers into uncomfortable situations.

Accordingly, filmmakers can be bolder in their depictions of sex, and improve their believability. The challenge remains, however – will this scene drive the story without falling into sensationalism for the sake of gratification. It also means the filmmakers have a new respect for the performers and the audience.

Portraying sex in movies responsibly

The challenge of portraying sex in movies responsibly is a complex one. Filmmakers need to juggle a combination of ethical considerations, artistic expression, and most importantly, legal guidelines. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Consent and Comfort of Actors:

Ensure that all actors involved are comfortable with the scenes and fully consent to what is being depicted. This includes clear communication about what the scenes will involve and respecting any boundaries they set.

Sex scenes in movies are choreographed. An intimacy coordinator specialises in juggling the needs of the camera crew, the director and the actors. The primary concern is all about the safety and comfort of everyone involved in the scene.

Example:
In the movie Blue Valentine, both Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams had intensive conversations with the intimacy coordinator.

Performance Contracts:
Contracts might include clauses specifying the exact nature of physical contact, the use of body doubles, and the presence of only essential personnel during shooting. This ensures a controlled environment where actors feel safe and their boundaries are respected.

Age Appropriateness and Ratings:

Different age groups will be impacted differently. The skill of a filmmaker is to understand how portrayal of a sex scene will impact different audiences. For example, traditional censorship aims to ‘protect’ younger audiences. Societal norms are protected by film ratings. In this way, society ensures that sex content is appropriately categorised.

Example:
The film American Pie used a comedic approach to its sexual content, meaning it was able to adhere to ratings that appropriately signal its content for older teens and adults.

Performance Contracts:
Contracts for films like this typically include details about the expected content, ensuring actors are aware of the nature of scenes before agreeing to participate, aligning with rating board requirements.

Realism vs. Sensationalism:

Here is the challenge: How do you, as a filmmaker or actor, portray the reality of sexual experiences while avoiding sensationalism or gratuitous content that doesn’t serve the story?

Here’s what to consider: You need to balance the story beats and then decide how, or if, the sex scene serves the story.

Example:
Critics didn’t know how to rate Blue Is the Warmest Color. It has been both praised for its raw portrayal of emotion and criticised for its arguably sensationalised and lengthy sex scenes.

Performance Contracts:
Actors’ contracts should include detailed descriptions of the scenes to ensure there’s a mutual understanding of the portrayal’s depth and necessity, helping to balance realism with respect for the story’s needs.

Representation and Diversity:

Today’s movie world demands diversity. You get brownie points if you include representations of sexuality and relationships, reflecting different orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds. Are your portrayals sensitive? Do they help in advancing the story and do they add depth to your character’s development?

It’s also wise to avoid the typical stereotypes.

Example:
Moonlight is an excellent example of a film that deftly avoids stereotypes. Who would think this could have been done from the point of view of a young black man grappling with his sexuality?

Performance Contracts:
Sometimes your prformance contracts need to spell out that the depiction aims to authentically represent diverse sexualities and cultures without resorting to clichés, possibly including consultation with cultural or sensitivity advisors.

Avoiding Exploitation:
Be mindful of not using sex scenes as merely a tool for attracting viewership. Instead, integrate these scenes in a way that is respectful to the characters and story. Exploitative camera angles or focus should be side-stepped. Remember you don’t want to degrade anyone in the scene.

Example:
The Handmaiden integrates sex scenes into the storyline. These scenes serve to explore themes of power and manipulation. The skill here is that the sex scenes are integrated into the plot. And we find the way this is done serves the plot and is not being exploitative.

Performance Contracts:
These might include stipulations about the context in which sex scenes are used, emphasising their narrative justification and ensuring they are handled with tact and sensitivity from filming to editing.

Legal and Ethical Standards:

Adhere to all legal standards, particularly concerning the depiction of consent and the avoidance of explicit content where it violates laws or platform-specific regulations.

Maintain a high ethical standard in the portrayal, editing, and marketing of such scenes to avoid contributing to a culture of objectification or harm.

Example:
Carol features intimate scenes handled with subtlety and respect, focusing on the emotional connection rather than explicit content, aligning with legal standards and ethical filmmaking practices.

Performance Contracts:
There are a variety of legal boundaries that vary from area to area and from country to country. You need to find a legal representative who can clearly outline the legalities of portraying sexual content. For example, are you adhering to non-exploitation laws? How have you handled the portrayal of consent? And finally, have you ensured all involved are legally protected and ethically represented?

Sex is an important part of our lives. Understanding all the considerations can help approach the portrayal of sex in movies in a way that is respectful, thoughtful, and responsible.

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