Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Why She Declined an On-Set Intimacy Professional on Latest Project Die My Love
The acclaimed actress has joined the growing list of performers who express doubts about the essential need of intimacy coordinators, revealing she chose not to use their assistance while working on her new movie Die My Love.
Examining the Purpose of Intimacy Coordinators
Intimacy coordinators emerged following the #MeToo movement to guarantee the security and comfort of performers during scenes involving partial undress and sexual content. Yet, numerous well-known actors including Jennifer Aniston and Sean Bean have expressed reservations about their involvement, with several claiming they disrupt artistic process.
Jennifer's On-Set Perspective
In conversation on the Las Culturistas podcast, while discussing her new film where she portrays a character descending into postpartum disturbance, the actress stated: "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 elaborated: "He is not pervy and very committed to Suki Waterhouse. What we discussed primarily revolved around our children and personal connections. There was absolutely no awkward tension or questions about personal boundaries."
"If there was the slightest indication of discomfort, I would have requested an intimacy coordinator. Many male actors take offense if you don't reciprocate their attention, and then the negative treatment starts. Rob was not like that."
Industry Recognition and Continuing Discussion
Recently, entertainment database IMDb formally acknowledged on-set intimacy professionals as a separate category, alongside eleven other professional roles including choreography, catering, and puppet operation. Before this, they were grouped under "additional crew" rather than having their specific credit.
Despite this recognition, these professionals still encounter media scrutiny implying they aren't necessarily required standards, with well-known performers rejecting their participation. Lawrence's perspective mirrors that of Jennifer Aniston, who previously revealed she refused intimacy coordination while working with her co-star on their television series.
Jennifer's Perspective
"Jon was such a gentleman – truly every move, every cut, 'You comfortable?'" she recalled. "It was additionally very choreographed. That's the advantage of working with talented directors, appropriate music. So, minimal preparation is needed."
She added, "Production suggested, 'Professional verification if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Honestly, this is awkward enough!' We're experienced professionals – we can manage appropriately. And we had Mimi on set."
Other Examples and Professional Response
Although including multiple sequences of intimate moments and regular undress, the award-winning film – the director's Oscar-winning film about a sex worker and a Russian oligarch's son – proceeded without an intimacy coordinator.
The film's star stated she and fellow actor Mark Eydelshteyn "decided it would be preferable to maintain privacy."
"The role I play is a sex worker, and I had researched Sean's films and recognized his dedication to realism. I was mentally prepared for it. As an performer, I approached it as professional work."
Her comments generated significant backlash from industry professionals, similar to the reaction to another actress's public statements, who recently shared that filming her new movie her latest film represented her first encounter with the emerging role, which she "did not know existed."
Gwyneth's Viewpoint
When asked about personal ease with a specific move alongside co-star her younger counterpart, the actress responded: "I belong to the generation where you remove clothing, you get in bed, the filming begins."
She continued that she and Chalamet then told the professional: "We believe we're good. You can step back.' 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 creative professional, very stifled by that."
Professional Reaction
Following these comments, former Channel 4 drama head an experienced producer described them as "concerning" and highlighted that the majority of those speaking against intimacy coordinators have established careers to maintain personal authority and security on production locations.
"Periodically an actor makes comments about whether they value intimacy coordinators or not," commented the executive. "Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned she came of age in a time when people in Hollywood 'took our kit off and proceeded professionally'. As a established actress in Hollywood working with a actor considerably junior than her, while I'm sure Chalamet is comfortable, I considered it quite an irresponsible remark."
Actor's Viewpoint
Michael Douglas, in contrast, expressed that he feels the main obligation during intimate sequences falls on the male actor, rather than a third party.
"Based on my career, you assume duty as the male actor to ensure the woman is comfortable, you talk through thoroughly," he said. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to touch you here if that's acceptable'. It's very deliberate but seems like it's happening naturally, which is ideally what convincing acting appears as."