As a seasoned film enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of cinematic storytelling, I find the role of intimacy coordinators to be a game-changer in the industry. Having had the privilege of watching the steamy drama “Babygirl,” I can attest that Halina Reijn’s comparison between intimacy coordinators and stunt coordinators rings true.
The much-awaited A24 drama titled “Babygirl” has been creating quite a stir due to its sensual love scenes starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, along with the controversial romance at the heart of it. Although erotic thrillers can be entertaining for viewers, directing intimate scenes requires a special skillset, which is currently undergoing reevaluation in the industry. The increasing usage of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood is becoming more prevalent, and was clearly evident during the filming of “Babygirl“. Now, director Halina Reijn is sharing her experiences working with an intimacy coordinator, stating that it’s very much like having a stunt coordinator on set.
In an interview for Variety’s Directors on Directors series, Reijin discussed the topic of intimacy coordinators with renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. They explored how these professionals are becoming increasingly important in the film industry, as they design and stage intimate scenes while ensuring actors feel comfortable and secure throughout the process.
Although some directors argue that these guidelines limit their creative control, Reijin contends that they actually expand her artistic freedom. In her own words:
“Intimacy coordinators are like stuntmen for me, as they show me techniques that make intimate scenes on screen appear more intense. Just like when a stuntman suggests a move that makes a fight scene look more extreme, intimacy coordinators can teach you less invasive methods that have a greater impact. I believe this is fantastic because it provides me with increased freedom and allows me to achieve the level of intensity I desire.
This comparison makes a lot of sense.
On-set, stunt coordinators play an equivalent role, responsible for designing safe and visually appealing physical sequences that could be risky for actors. When they do their job effectively, they establish safety protocols for staff members, act as intermediaries between stunt performers and actors to ensure both the stunt’s success on screen and its execution in a secure manner.
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Intimate scenes also require choreography and they can make actors vulnerable in a different way. These coordinators make sure everyone feels safe and the scene is communicated well on screen, which is essential.
As a passionate moviegoer, I’ve been following the ongoing discussions about intimacy coordinators, particularly during this year’s award season. One of the top contenders for Best Picture, “Anora,” chose not to employ one, a decision made by lead actress Mikey Madison who preferred a minimal crew and director’s guidance instead, as reported by Variety. This choice has sparked much debate, especially considering other erotic films this year like “Babygirl,” “Queer,” and “Love Lies Bleeding” opted to use an intimacy coordinator. The question remains: was this the right call for the actors’ well-being?
Listening to Reijin’s perspective could enable directors and actors to view their role from a fresh angle, perhaps even metaphorically, and consider it less as a constraint and more as an opportunity for liberation.
According to the previews for “Babygirl”, intimacy coordinators have not toned down the explicit love scenes. Critics are already praising the sensual and passionate sequences in the film, and the intense chemistry between Dickinson and Kidman. If anything, these scenes seem to enhance the movie’s allure, providing more creative freedom for the director, just as a stunt coordinator does for an action-packed film.
On December 25th, you’ll be able to watch Halina Reijn’s latest film, “Babygirl,” in theaters across the country. For updates on other engaging movies coming to theaters this year, don’t forget to check out our 2024 movie calendar.
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2024-12-22 04:37