Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Why She Didn't Use an Intimacy Coordinator on New Film Her Upcoming Movie
Jennifer Lawrence has joined the increasing number of performers who express doubts about the necessity of intimacy coordinators, revealing she chose not to use their assistance while working on her new movie Die My Love.
Understanding the Role of Intimacy Coordinators
On-set intimacy professionals emerged following the #MeToo era to guarantee the security and comfort of performers during scenes involving partial undress and intimate moments. However, several prominent actors including Jennifer Aniston and other established stars have expressed reservations about their presence, with several suggesting they disrupt creative flow.
Jennifer's Personal Experience
Speaking during the Las Culturistas podcast, while discussing her new film where she portrays a character descending into mental health challenges, Lawrence 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 entirely secure with Robert."
She continued: "Rob is not pervy and very committed to Suki Waterhouse. Our conversations mostly revolved around family life and personal connections. There was never awkward tension or questions about professional limits."
"Had there been even a hint of discomfort, I would have requested an on-set professional. Many male actors get upset if you don't reciprocate their advances, and then the negative treatment starts. He was completely different."
Industry Recognition and Continuing Discussion
Recently, industry platform IMDb officially recognized intimacy coordinators as a separate category, together with multiple additional crew positions including choreography, catering, and puppet operation. Previously, they were grouped under "miscellaneous staff" instead of having their own designation.
Notwithstanding this validation, intimacy coordinators still encounter media scrutiny suggesting they might not be required standards, with high-profile performers declining their involvement. Jennifer's viewpoint mirrors that of another prominent actress, who earlier shared she declined professional supervision while working with Jon Hamm on their television series.
Jennifer's Perspective
"He proved to be extremely respectful – truly each action, between takes, 'Are you OK?" she recalled. "It was also very choreographed. That's the benefit of working with talented directors, suitable lighting. So, minimal preparation is needed."
Aniston continued, "Production suggested, 'Professional verification if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Please, this is awkward enough!' We're experienced professionals – we can handle this. And we had our director on set."
Other Examples and Industry Reaction
Although including multiple sequences of intimate moments and frequent nudity, the award-winning film – the director's Oscar-winning project about a adult entertainer and a wealthy heir – filmed without an on-set professional.
Mikey Madison stated she and fellow actor Mark Eydelshteyn "decided it would be best to keep it small."
"The role I play is a professional in adult entertainment, and I had studied the director's work and recognized his commitment to authenticity. I was professionally ready for it. As an performer, I treated it as part of my job."
Her comments provoked strong reactions from intimacy coordinators, similar to the reaction to Gwyneth Paltrow's public statements, who recently shared that working on her new movie her latest film marked her initial experience with the emerging role, which she "did not know existed."
Gwyneth's Viewpoint
When asked about personal ease with a particular action alongside co-star her younger counterpart, the actress responded: "I'm from the era where you remove clothing, you assume position, the camera's on."
She continued that she and her co-star then informed the professional: "We believe we're good. You can maintain distance.' I don't know how it is for newer performers, but... if someone is directing, '{OK, then he's going to place his hand here,' I would feel, as an creative professional, extremely restricted by that."
Professional Reaction
After these statements, former Channel 4 drama head an experienced producer described them as "irresponsible" and pointed out that the majority of those opposing intimacy coordinators possess sufficient fame to maintain personal authority and protection on production locations.
"Periodically an performer makes comments about whether they value intimacy coordinators or not," commented the executive. "Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned she grew up in a time when people in Hollywood 'took our kit off and proceeded professionally'. As a powerful woman in Hollywood performing alongside a actor considerably junior than her, although likely he is comfortable, I found it quite an irresponsible remark."
Actor's Viewpoint
The veteran actor, in contrast, shared that he feels the main obligation during intimate sequences falls on the male performer, rather than a external professional.
"Based on my career, you take responsibility as the man to make certain the woman is at ease, you discuss it thoroughly," he said. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to make contact there if that's agreeable'. It's very deliberate but seems like it's occurring organically, which is hopefully what authentic performance looks like."