Changes and modernizations often happen for a reason and that is a good thing. But not everyone finds it easy to move with the times and accept these innovations – especially if they have only known a single, different way for decades and may not even notice that this way was causing problems. A very good example is Michael Caine and his thoughts on the role of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood.
In one of his last interviews, the recently retired Caine was interviewed by the asked about it and asked his opinion.
“Thank God I don’t play lovers anymore!”
Apparently he didn’t even know about this job, which is also called an intimacy coach, so he first asked, “Really? Serious? What are they doing?” Then he made it clear that he didn’t think much about it:
“We never had that in my time. Thank God I’m 90 years old and I don’t play lovers anymore, that’s all I can say. In my day you just filmed the love scene and moved on without anyone interfering. “That has all changed.”
Michael Caine: Ready to learn
However, Caine makes it clear that he doesn’t want to be an old dinosaur who demonizes such changes. He’s trying to learn things like a changing language, but that’s “hard” at his age. His seven grandchildren and younger friends prove helpful.
Since the two-time Oscar winner (1987 for “Hannah and Her Sisters” and 2000 for “God’s Work and the Devil’s Contribution”) will no longer be making films, Michael Caine may not have much need to learn more about the role and benefits of intimacy coordinators to to learn. But if you’re wondering what exactly this job entails, here is a brief description with an example of a current film highlight.
That’s why intimacy coaches are so important
Such intimacy coaches are not up to the task. Prevent, censor or defuse sex scenes. No, It’s about working with everyone involved to ensure an intimate scene is filmed in a way that everyone feels comfortable. Fundamental issues such as the question of who should actually be on set when filming nude scenes, for example, are discussed.
And in detail it is also about how the scene should flow, that is to say: its choreography. You can certainly compare this part of the job to the work of stunt coordinators. Just as they work out with everyone involved exactly how each movement should be performed so that a painful direct hit does not suddenly occur, this also prevents a hand or other body part from suddenly ending up in a place where it is not intended to be sexual. occurs.
It’s actually a miracle that it’s lasted this long and that this spot has only become more common on sets over the past six to seven years. By the way, you can see how little this work restricts freedom of movement and could actually make it better soon in an award-winning film in the cinemas. The sci-fi fantasy story “Poor Things,” which just won Best Comedy at the Golden Globes, features lots of nudity and lots of sex.
Both director Yórgos Lánthimos and lead actress and producer Emma Stone were initially skeptical about whether they needed anyone else on board. But intimacy coordinator Elle McAlpine convinced her of the importance of her role. Both have since made it clear in interviews that the scenes would never have come out as well without McAlpine’s help.
The one we gave the highest rating of 5 stars Masterpiece “Poor things“ will be released in German cinemas on January 18, 2024.