The Evolution of Sex Scenes in Cinema

Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis recently delved into the changing landscape of sex scenes in movies during an episode of Lowe’s podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe. Their insightful discussion highlighted how intimate scenes, once a staple of filmmaking, have diminished in frequency, leading to a nostalgic yearning for the past.

Recalling the 1988 romantic thriller Masquerade, Lowe shared his love for the film, which Davis also embraced. They lamented that the industry has shifted, with studios often shying away from "too sexy" content. Acknowledging the inclusion of sex scenes in older films, the duo expressed a desire for more risqué films to return to mainstream cinema.

Davis pointed out that 2024's Babygirl stands out as a rare example of a contemporary film that embraces sensuality. Although they both acknowledged that such sexy movies feel like a rarity today, Lowe backtracked on his earlier assertion about their absence, admitting that Babygirl indeed brings the heat. It seems that while steamy scenes may be fewer, filmmakers are still willing to explore deeper themes of intimacy.

Finally, the conversation turned to the perception of actors participating in sex scenes today. Lowe criticized the current sentiment that labels such performers as "brave," contrasting it with previous eras when such scenes were commonplace. This shift has provoked discussions around authenticity and vulnerability in cinema, posing the question: have we over-sensationalized these once-ordinary moments on screen?

Rob Lowe's Nostalgia for Gratuity

Rob Lowe, the charismatic star of classics like St. Elmo’s Fire, has fond memories of a time when sex scenes were expected in films. On a recent episode of his podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe, he mused about how these intimate moments have become a rarity in modern cinema. He humorously recalled that, in his era, the inclusion of a steamy scene was practically a requirement.

Lowe introduced a tongue-in-cheek concept called the "page 73 rule," a nod to the days when actors would casually flip to the middle of a script to find out if there was a sex scene. He lamented that what was once routine is now branded as "brave" for contemporary actors, questioning the drastic shift in perceptions toward intimate scenes.

As the conversation progressed, both Lowe and his guest Kristin Davis expressed nostalgia for sexy movies, reminiscing about the sensual thrillers that dominated their youth. Davis highlighted the rarity of such films today, prompting a collective sigh for the return of seductive stories that drew viewers in, raising the anticipation of intimacy.

While discussing the forthcoming film Babygirl, Lowe and Davis acknowledged the delicate nature of filming intimate scenes. Nicole Kidman, a star of the movie, had previously emphasized the importance of trust and mutual respect on set. This understanding, they noted, could help bring sexy films back into the cinematic landscape, enticing audiences eager for that lost passion.

Current Trends and the Need for Sexy Films

In a recent industry dialogue, it was noted that sexy films are becoming increasingly rare in the cinematic landscape. Many actors and directors, including Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis, emphasized a longing for the provocative storytelling that characterized films in the 1980s and 1990s. Nowadays, the absence of sex scenes in mainstream cinema has sparked a heated discussion about the necessity of erotic content.

While actors are lauded for their bravery when filming intimate scenes, Lowe argues that it was once merely part of the job. He reminisced about the "page 73 rule," suggesting that filmmakers used to understand the importance of incorporating sex appeal into storytelling. In contrast, today’s audiences are often shocked when they encounter sexual content, signaling a major cultural shift.

Interestingly, there are emerging films that challenge the status quo, such as A24's *Babygirl*, which has garnered attention for its steamy scenes. Nicole Kidman, one of its stars, expressed how modern filmmakers can handle intimacy with respect and artistry. This resurgence might hint at a growing audience appetite for compelling stories that embrace sexual chemistry.

As conversations around sexuality evolve, the question remains: why can’t we see more sexy movies? With streaming platforms expanding and new filmmakers emerging, there’s an opportunity for a revival of the daring narratives that once captivated audiences. Americans seem ready for films that not only entertain but also explore the intricacies of desire and intimacy, reigniting a spark in cinematic storytelling.

Reflections on Brave Actors and Filmmaking

Rob Lowe's recent podcast episode with Kristin Davis has sparked a lively discussion about the changing landscape of on-screen intimacy. In an era where sex scenes are often accompanied by labels like "brave," Lowe argues that it used to be a standard expectation for actors. “Back in our day, it was required,” he noted, contrasting his experience with today’s industry standards.

Lowe reminisced about the “page 73 rule,” a tongue-in-cheek guideline that suggested pivotal sex scenes usually landed on that exact page of a script. Davis joined in, recalling how simply finding those scenes was as easy as flipping to the middle of the screenplay, a stark contrast to the current narrative around NSFW content.

Davis lamented the absence of sultry cinema, pointing out that few films today dare to be as bold as their predecessors. They both recognized that movies like the upcoming A24 release, *Babygirl*, are exceptions rather than the rule, leaving fans yearning for more sexually charged narratives that once defined the genre.

Nicole Kidman’s experience in *Babygirl* further highlights this dialogue around safety and respect on set. As she spoke of feeling cared for and supported during intimate scenes, it’s clear that the conversation surrounding sex in film has morphed into one about emotional safety, shifting the focus from bravery to mutual respect and professionalism.