After the height of the #MeToo movement, intimacy coordinators have become increasingly important in the realm of film and television. Their role has evolved from being a novelty to a necessity, ensuring that actors feel comfortable while filming intimate scenes. This change is reflected in the remarks made by Gwyneth Paltrow during a recent interview with Vanity Fair. Paltrow, who stars opposite Timothée Chalamet in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, expressed skepticism about the need for such coordinators.
Paltrow stated, "There's now something called an intimacy coordinator, which I did not know existed." She and Chalamet reportedly requested that the coordinator step back during their scenes, stating, "We said, 'I think we're good. You can step a little bit back'." Paltrow remarked, "I don't know how it is for kids who are starting out, but…if someone is like, 'Okay, and then he's going to put his hand here'… I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that."
Paltrow's comments, as reported by Vanity Fair, drew attention to the tension surrounding the use of intimacy coordinators in the industry. Her background as a pioneer in the fight against sexual abuse in Hollywood is noteworthy; Paltrow was not only among those who bravely spoke out against Harvey Weinstein after he made unwanted advances toward her early in her career, but she also played a key role in the New York Times' 2017 exposé that shed light on Weinstein's abuse.
In light of this, many in the industry felt that her comments might undermine the progress made regarding intimacy coordinators, a role devised to protect not just actors but the overall atmosphere on set. Allie Oops, an intimacy coordinator who has worked with notable production companies like A24 and Neon, emphasized the importance of coordinators for safety and comfort. She stated, "You wouldn't do a fight scene without a stunt coordinator."
Oops noted that Paltrow's experience may be valid, but her lack of familiarity with intimacy coordinators could have led to her negative perception. She mentioned that these professionals help to disrupt power dynamics on set, ensuring that all individuals, from actors to crew members, feel comfortable and safe. "If you're a household name like Gwyneth Paltrow, you hold power. But an unknown actor doesn't have that power," Oops explained.
As the film industry has evolved, intimacy coordinators have been increasingly recognized as essential personnel for more than just actors. They relieve the pressure from directors, creating a safer working environment and reducing vulnerability when performing intimate scenes. Oops detailed how coordinators discuss what actors are comfortable with ahead of a scene, then communicate those boundaries to the director, effectively acting as advocates for the actors.
With SAG-AFTRA's tightened guidelines for intimacy coordinators in 2024, the role continues to solidify its importance. According to Oops, "The fact that SAG now has standards and protocols for having intimacy coordinators on set is a positive step forward." However, the critique of Paltrow's remarks highlights the ongoing necessity to inform and educate actors about the role of coordinators to ensure an understanding and respectful collaboration during intimate moments.
The backlash against some star actors who question the necessity of intimacy coordinators raises significant concerns within the industry. For instance, after Mikey Madison stated there wasn't an intimacy coordinator present during the filming of Anora, the ensuing backlash suggested that such statements perpetuate a culture of silence regarding boundaries and safety on set.
This dialogue on intimacy coordinators brings to light the conversations around autonomy, power dynamics, and mutual respect on film sets. Notably, the producers of Babygirl praised the role of intimacy coordinators, highlighting how they enable the filming of more extreme scenes safely. Director Halina Reijn noted that coordinators helped facilitate the creative process, stating that these experts can lead to performances that appear much more natural and raw while still respecting actors' boundaries.
Further, the story of Ita O’Brien, who was the first intimacy coordinator on the Netflix series Sex Education, has paved the way for greater understanding of the role's significance within the industry. Michaela Coel, in her BAFTA acceptance speech, dedicated her win to O’Brien, expressing gratitude for creating a safe working environment for actors.
While conversations about the necessity of intimacy coordinators continue, it's essential to highlight that this profession emerged from a deeply rooted need for protection against the industry's darker side. The Me Too movement has played a significant role in this evolution, providing overdue recognition of the need for safety and respect on set.
The perspective that intimacy coordinators hinder creativity, as expressed by Paltrow, is echoed among some other seasoned actors. Nonetheless, industry changes indicate a collective understanding of the significance of safeguarding new generations of performers. Allie Oops concluded, "If you create a safe container, people have more freedom to relax into a role." In this evolving landscape of Hollywood, it's crucial that this narrative continues to be embraced, ensuring that the lessons of the past are integrated into a safer future for all involved.
