Florence Pugh, known for her roles in "Oppenheimer" and the upcoming "Thunderbolts," has shared her evolving perspective on intimacy coordinators in Hollywood, acknowledging both positive and negative experiences with them. Speaking on the Louis Theroux Podcast, Pugh described the role of intimacy coordinators as "a job that's still figuring itself out".
Pugh stated that she did many sex scenes before intimacy coordinators were common. She has generally felt confident and able to advocate for herself in such situations. However, she also recalls instances of inappropriate requests and direction during intimate scenes, reinforcing the need for professionals in this role.
While acknowledging the necessity of intimacy coordinators, Pugh also shared that she has had experiences where they were unhelpful. She described one instance where a coordinator "made it so weird and so awkward and really wasn't helpful and kind of was just like wanting to be a part of the set in a way that wasn't helpful".
On the other hand, Pugh emphasized the value of effective intimacy coordinators, noting how they can enhance the storytelling and meaning behind intimate scenes. She explained how a good intimacy coordinator can help actors understand "the dance of intimacy" by exploring questions like "what kind of sex is it, how do you touch each other, how long have you been having sex for". Pugh realized that these details are essential when building a believable relationship between characters, even one spanning many years. She stated that working with fantastic coordinators helped her understand what she had been missing.
Pugh's comments add to a growing conversation among actors about the role of intimacy coordinators. Some, like Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow, have expressed reservations, citing concerns about creative limitations. Paltrow recounted asking an intimacy coordinator to "step a little back" while filming intimate scenes with Timothée Chalamet, feeling that overly prescriptive direction could stifle artistic expression. Similarly, Lawrence declined the option of having an intimacy coordinator during her scenes with Robert Pattinson in "Die My Love," because she felt Pattinson was "not pervy".
Conversely, actors like Emma Stone and Michaela Coel have praised intimacy coordinators for ensuring safety and consent on set. Pugh's perspective offers a balanced view, acknowledging both the potential benefits and drawbacks of working with intimacy coordinators. She underscores that, while the profession is still evolving, positive experiences with skilled coordinators have significantly contributed to her understanding and performance in intimate scenes. Ultimately, Pugh's remarks highlight the ongoing discussion about the role and effectiveness of intimacy coordinators in the film industry, with actors navigating their experiences and sharing insights on how to create a safe, respectful, and artistically fulfilling environment on set.
