The Oscar-winning actress Reveals Why She Didn't Use an Intimacy Coordinator on New Film Die My Love

Jennifer Lawrence has become part of the increasing number of performers who express doubts about the essential need of on-set intimacy professionals, explaining she opted against their services while working on her new movie Die My Love.

Examining the Role of Intimacy Coordinators

Intimacy coordinators were introduced following the #MeToo era to ensure the safety and comfort of actors during scenes involving partial undress and sexual content. However, numerous well-known performers including Jennifer Aniston and Sean Bean have voiced concerns about their involvement, with several claiming they interfere with creative flow.

Jennifer's Personal Experience

Speaking during the popular culture podcast, while promoting her new film where she plays a woman descending into mental health challenges, Lawrence stated: "We chose not to use an intimacy coordinator, or maybe we did have one but didn't really utilize them... I felt completely safe with Robert."

She elaborated: "He is not pervy and deeply devoted to his partner. What we discussed primarily focused on our children and personal connections. There was never uncomfortable moments or doubts about professional limits."

"If there was the slightest indication of discomfort, I definitely would have requested an on-set professional. Numerous male actors take offense if you aren't interested in their advances, and then the retaliation begins. He was completely different."

Professional Validation and Continuing Discussion

Recently, industry platform IMDb formally acknowledged intimacy coordinators as a distinct credit, together with eleven other professional roles including dance direction, catering, and puppetry. Before this, they were categorized as "miscellaneous staff" instead of having their specific credit.

Despite this recognition, these professionals continue to face public discussion suggesting they might not be required standards, with high-profile performers declining their participation. Lawrence's perspective echoes that of another prominent actress, who earlier revealed she declined intimacy coordination while working with Jon Hamm on their television series.

Jennifer's Perspective

"Jon was such a gentleman – I mean each action, between takes, 'You comfortable?'" she remembered. "The scenes were also carefully planned. That's the advantage of working with talented directors, suitable lighting. So, you don't prepare."

Aniston continued, "Production suggested, 'Professional verification if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Please, this is awkward enough!' We're experienced professionals – we can manage appropriately. And we had our director present."

Other Examples and Professional Response

Despite featuring multiple sequences of intimate moments and regular undress, the award-winning film – the director's Oscar-winning project about a sex worker and a Russian oligarch's son – filmed without an intimacy coordinator.

The film's star stated she and co-star Mark Eydelshteyn "concluded it would be best to keep it small."

"My character is a professional in adult entertainment, and I had researched Sean's films and recognized his dedication to realism. I was mentally prepared for it. As an actress, I approached it as part of my job."

Her comments provoked strong reactions from industry professionals, similar to the response to Gwyneth Paltrow's public statements, who recently revealed that filming her forthcoming project Marty Supreme marked her initial experience with the emerging role, which she "did not know existed."

Gwyneth's Viewpoint

During filming about comfort level with a particular action alongside fellow actor her younger counterpart, Paltrow answered: "I'm from the generation where you get naked, you assume position, the camera's on."

She continued that she and her co-star then informed the professional: "We think we're good. You can step back.' I can't speak to how it is for emerging actors, but... if someone is instructing, '{OK, then he's going to place his hand here,' I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that."

Industry Response

Following these comments, industry executive Caroline Hollick labeled them "irresponsible" and pointed out that the majority of those speaking against intimacy coordinators have established careers to command their own power and security on film sets.

"Periodically an performer makes comments about whether they value on-set professionals or not," said Hollick. "The actress mentioned she grew up in a period when people in Hollywood 'took our kit off and got on with it'. As a established actress in Hollywood performing alongside a man much younger than her, while I'm sure he is chill, I found it somewhat concerning remark."

Male Perspective

Michael Douglas, meanwhile, expressed that he believes the primary responsibility during intimate sequences rests with the male performer, rather than a third party.

"Based on my career, you assume duty as the male actor to ensure the woman is comfortable, you discuss it completely," he explained. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to touch you here if that's agreeable'. It's very deliberate but appears like it's happening naturally, which is hopefully what authentic performance looks like."