Hollywood actor Rob Lowe has pointed out that intimate scenes in movies are becoming increasingly rare. The 59-year-old star, known for his roles in The West Wing and Parks and Recreation, discussed this shift in an episode of his Literally! podcast with Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis.
The Changing Landscape of On-Screen Intimacy
Lowe expressed his thoughts on how attitudes toward on-screen intimacy have evolved in recent years. He remarked, “Nobody has sex scenes in movies anymore.” While acknowledging that some recent films, such as A24’s Babygirl, still incorporate intimate content, he noted that this is now the exception rather than the norm.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Lowe recalled the industry’s attitude when he starred in the 1988 thriller Masquerade. The actor mentioned that studios at the time were hesitant about promoting the movie because it was considered “too sexy.” He pointed out how today’s perspective has shifted, where actors are often praised for performing intimate scenes. “They’re like, ‘It’s so brave. She’s so brave,’” Lowe said. “In our day, it was required.”
A Shift in Hollywood Norms
The film Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, features Nicole Kidman as a CEO entangled in a passionate affair with an intern, played by Harris Dickinson. The film’s portrayal of intimate relationships contributed to Kidman winning Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.
Lowe reminisced about an informal industry guideline known as the page 73 rule, which suggested that sex scenes were traditionally placed around that page in a script. “You got a script and were like, ‘Am I going to be naked in this?’ You just went to page 73,” he explained, referencing how mid-second-act moments often included such scenes. “But now, it’s so brave.”
The Impact of Industry Changes
The actor also commented on the broader shifts within Hollywood, emphasizing that change presents new opportunities. “I always feel, like, out of chaos comes opportunity,” Lowe stated. He encouraged filmmakers and actors to embrace these industry shifts rather than resist them. “Disruption is actually a great time to build new things. If you can be one of the nimble ones and forward-thinking, not trying to recreate yesterday but imagining tomorrow, it’s your time.”
Lowe’s observations reflect the broader cultural and industry-wide transformation in Hollywood. With an increasing focus on consent, intimacy coordinators, and evolving storytelling preferences, the role of intimate scenes in cinema continues to change. Whether this shift is temporary or a long-term trend remains to be seen.
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