Florence Pugh opened up about her interactions with intimacy coordinators on set when promoting her latest project on the Louis Theroux Podcast. The star actress opened up about her positive, or deeply negative experiences working with these types of medical practitioners. She has experienced the highs and lows on a variety of projects.
Pugh, known for her roles in films such as “Midsommar” and “Little Women,” emphasized the importance of intimacy coordinators in modern filmmaking. The Chairman’s comment on tollers was right on too, she said she has had “good ones and bad ones,” highlighting the lack of consistency from these professionals. While some coordinators she had, she described as “fantastic” and “effective,” others made her feel like they were “shit and weird.”
Intimacy coordinators have risen to new prominence in the industry as a way to approach more sensitive scenes. Pugh pointed out that she had done sex scenes well before this role. This reflects a dramatic and welcome change in the way filmmakers today think about filming delicate moments. She expressed appreciation for coordinators who help actors understand the “dance of intimacy,” noting, “Oh, this is what I’ve been missing, understanding the dance of intimacy.”
Even if Pugh’s experiences have been mostly positive, other members of the industry have expressed other sentiments about intimacy coordinators. Gwyneth Paltrow had a full-on diva meltdown when working with one of the coolest cats on the scene, Timothée Chalamet. This event caused her to reconsider the role of these professionals. In response, Caroline Hollick, a major film executive, admonished Paltrow, calling her remarks “irresponsible.”
Jennifer Lawrence took a different stance when she opted out of using an intimacy coordinator for her sex scenes with Robert Pattinson. She defended her decision, saying that when she was questioning Pattinson she felt “safe, not pervy.”
Pugh’s tempered approach to intimacy coordinators is a stark difference from her fellow star’s more cynical views. Having spent more than a decade in a committed partnership, Pugh’s observations are as practical as they are profound. She says it allows her to be more intimate, both on set and off.
As the dialogue regarding intimacy coordinators continues to develop, it is evident that opinions differ drastically across the industry. Pugh’s experiences show us why it is crucial that we communicate well and correctly. This knowledge is imperative to creating safe spaces for performers while filming intimate scenes.