Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Why She Declined an On-Set Intimacy Professional on Latest Project Her Upcoming Movie
The acclaimed actress has joined the increasing number of performers who express doubts about the necessity of on-set intimacy professionals, revealing she opted against their assistance while working on her new movie Die My Love.
Examining the Purpose of On-Set Intimacy Professionals
On-set intimacy professionals were introduced following the #MeToo era to guarantee the safety and ease of performers during scenes involving nudity and intimate moments. Yet, numerous prominent performers including Jennifer Aniston and Sean Bean have expressed reservations about their involvement, with some suggesting they interfere with artistic process.
Lawrence's On-Set Perspective
In conversation on the Las Culturistas podcast, while promoting her new film where she plays a character descending into postpartum disturbance, Lawrence stated: "We did not have an intimacy coordinator, or maybe we did have one but didn't make use of their services... I felt entirely secure with Rob."
She continued: "Rob is not pervy and very committed to Suki Waterhouse. What we discussed mostly focused on our children and relationships. There was absolutely no uncomfortable moments or questions about professional limits."
"If there was even a hint of discomfort, I definitely would have requested an on-set professional. Numerous male performers take offense if you aren't interested in their advances, and then the retaliation starts. Rob was not like that."
Professional Validation and Ongoing Debate
Recently, industry platform IMDb officially recognized intimacy coordinators as a separate category, alongside multiple additional crew positions including choreography, catering, and puppet operation. Previously, they were categorized as "miscellaneous staff" instead of having their specific credit.
Despite this recognition, these professionals continue to face media scrutiny implying they might not be industry essential, with high-profile performers declining their participation. Jennifer's viewpoint mirrors that of Jennifer Aniston, who previously shared she declined intimacy coordination while working with Jon Hamm on their television series.
Aniston's Experience
"Jon was such a gentleman – I mean every move, every cut, 'Are you OK?" she recalled. "It was also carefully planned. That's the benefit of working with skilled editors, suitable lighting. So, you don't prepare."
She added, "Production suggested, 'Having someone check if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Please, this is awkward enough!' We're seasoned actors – we can handle this. And we had Mimi on set."
Other Examples and Professional Response
Although including numerous scenes of intimate moments and regular undress, the award-winning film – the director's acclaimed project about a sex worker and a wealthy heir – filmed without an intimacy coordinator.
The film's star explained she and fellow actor her screen partner "concluded it would be preferable to keep it small."
"The role I play is a professional in adult entertainment, and I had studied the director's work and understood his commitment to authenticity. I was professionally ready for it. As an actress, I approached it as part of my job."
These statements provoked strong reactions from industry professionals, similar to the reaction to Gwyneth Paltrow's recent comments, who recently shared that working on her new movie her latest film represented her first encounter with the relatively new profession, which she "did not know existed."
Gwyneth's Viewpoint
During filming about comfort level with a particular action alongside fellow actor Timothée Chalamet, the actress responded: "I'm from the era where you remove clothing, you assume position, the camera's on."
Paltrow added that she and Chalamet then told the coordinator: "We believe we're comfortable. You can step back.' I can't speak to how it is for newer performers, but... if someone is instructing, '{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 Caroline Hollick labeled them "concerning" and highlighted that the majority of those speaking against intimacy coordinators possess sufficient fame to maintain personal authority and protection on production locations.
"Periodically an actor makes comments about whether they appreciate on-set professionals or not," commented the executive. "The actress stated she came of age in a time when industry professionals 'took our kit off and got on with it'. As a powerful woman in Hollywood performing alongside a man much younger than her, although likely Chalamet is chill, I found it somewhat concerning remark."
Actor's Viewpoint
The veteran actor, in contrast, expressed that he believes the main obligation during intimate sequences falls on the male actor, instead of a third party.
"Based on my career, you assume duty as the male actor to make certain the woman is comfortable, you discuss it completely," he said. "You state, '{OK, I'm going to touch you here if that's agreeable'. It's extremely careful but seems like it's occurring organically, which is hopefully what convincing acting looks like."