For those curious about the behind-the-scenes world of cinema, a list recently compiled on Letterboxd delves into the realm of movies featuring unsimulated sex scenes, where the on-screen action is as real as it gets.
These are not your typical staged performances - these are films where actors, or sometimes their body doubles, are actually engaging in sexual acts.
If you're intrigued by such raw depictions, this list offers a fascinating (albeit controversial) look into a niche of cinema that continues to spark conversation.
Uncensored Movies That Pushed Boundaries
There's no judgment here for those who enjoy films that embrace such raw realism. Directors catering to this demand have created content that suits specific tastes.
Among the usual suspects in this genre is Caligula, a movie that stirred controversy upon its release. The film, infamous for its explicit content, had to undergo significant editing to meet approval for public screening.
Banned in several countries, including Italy, the government seized reels of the movie and labeled it "flagrantly obscene."
Also gracing this list are the Nymphomaniac films, directed by Lars von Trier.
These movies, which depict the sexual journey of a woman played by Charlotte Gainsbourg, include explicit unsimulated sex scenes, making them a staple in any conversation about boundary-pushing cinema.
The films were met with a polarized reception, but they remain a key part of this specific cinematic category.
Other Films on the Radar
Other notable films on the list include Antichrist (2009), I Am Curious (Yellow), and Starlet.
Each of these films gained notoriety for their bold and sometimes shocking portrayals of sex, not just for their narrative content but also for how they dealt with intimacy on screen.
Directors of such films often face backlash from censors and audiences alike, but these works are integral to understanding the evolution of how filmmakers approach the topic of sex in cinema.
The Role of Intimacy Coordinators in Filmmaking
While unsimulated sex may still intrigue certain audiences, the film industry is evolving. The rise of intimacy coordinators - a relatively new role on set - has brought more structure and safety to on-screen depictions of intimacy.
These coordinators ensure that actors feel comfortable and safe, regardless of whether the scene is simulated or unsimulated.
Nicole Kidman recently spoke about her experience working on Babygirl, where long takes of sex scenes were filmed with meticulous care.
Despite the physically demanding nature of these scenes, Kidman expressed how she felt "incredibly safe" due to the precise coordination of the intimacy team.
In a statement, Kidman shared her experience: “I never came out of it, really," she said. The rigorous effort to structure these scenes helped ensure the actors' comfort, even during difficult shoots.
Such attention to detail suggests that filmmakers might not need to resort to unsimulated sex anymore when simulated scenes can be just as convincing, thanks to modern filmmaking techniques and careful planning.
Why Unsensualized Sex is Becoming a Thing of the Past
With the rising role of intimacy coordinators and advancements in film production, unsimulated sex scenes might soon become a thing of the past.
Instead of raw, real-life sex on set, most filmmakers can achieve the same visual effect through careful choreography and professional actors' craft.
The demand for unsimulated sex scenes could eventually diminish as the filmmaking process itself becomes more refined, allowing for the depiction of intimacy without the physical risks involved.
However, some actors have faced serious consequences from unsimulated sex scenes.
Filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, known for his revolutionary film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, once contracted gonorrhea from a co-star during the filming of an explicit scene.
This serves as a stark reminder of the physical risks involved when intimate scenes are portrayed without simulation.
You can see the full Letterboxd list HERE.