Cutting the S@x Out of the Movies
In my regular search of the internet for interesting sex news, I came across this article about sex scenes in the movies. In case you hadn't noticed, there are a lot less of them these days.. After reading this article I thought this is all ridiculous. If adults want to see sex in movies, they should be able to. Why is the vocal sex negative minority getting all the say here?
But then I found this research from Stephen Fellows who analyzes all kinds of things about movies. His data shows that yes, sex scenes in theatrically released movies have declined sharply since 2000, but he offers many reasons that made me think differently about the issue.
I'll mention just a few of them here but I recommend giving his article a read.
He says 'Social movements and heightened discussions around consent and gender representation have likely contributed to a more cautious approach to including sex scenes in films. Producers and filmmakers may be more sensitive to how sexual content could be perceived or potentially lead to controversy.'
I don't love how he phrased this but I think the point is valid. If this is what's happening, I think it's good. In the past many movies included nudity and sex seemingly to just draw audiences, not to advance plot. Often those scenes showed non consensual contact and even assault as no big deal or worse, humorous. Perhaps we have finally realized that the voiceless victims of these acts would surely not have found them humorous. Audiences who have experienced these things in real life are hurt by seeing something similar to what happened to them, and seriously hurt them, portrayed in this way, (for more about this check out this and this and this - big trigger warning for discussions of sexual violence before you click those links) Many years ago I stopped watching anything that portrays any kind of sexual assault as funny or harmless. Perhaps there are many more like me.
Fellows also says 'Films that perform well at international box offices tend to favour content that can translate across different cultural norms. Explicit sex scenes may result in more restrictive age ratings or censorship, hence reducing a film’s potential reach.' and 'The trend could also be a rejection of outdated stereotypes, where sex scenes were often objectifying and presented through a predominantly male gaze. Modern films may be attempting to depict sexuality in a way that’s more authentic and respectful. This feels particularly relevant when we think of “traditionally male-focused” genres, such as thrillers and action movies.' Perhaps those that make the movies are finally starting to see that its not just white north american men that see their movies so its time to start considering what people outside of that narrow group think of their movies and what they might like to see, or even be able to access.
The Independent article gives the example of cutting a simple kissing scene and suggests that this is pandering to puritanism. There is a point to be had here. When its not okay to see sex or even kissing in a movie but the depiction of physical violence has become so commonplace we barely even notice it, we have to question our cultural values. Why is it considered so much worse to see graphic consensual sex than graphic violence?
Something to consider in this as well though is not just what's depicted on screen and how that affects the audience, but also how the actual process of filming it affected the actors involved. We might feel okay about watching it but how did those who were acting it out feel about it as it happened? So many stories have come to light now about actors (usually women) being forced to endure conditions that were uncomfortable, humiliating or psychically damaging when performing sex scenes. Often when they objected to this treatment they have were told that this is the job and they simply need to grow up and endure it. Thankfully this has started to change and filmmakers are starting to consider whether the sex scene is necessary and if so, what measures can be put in place to protect and respect the actors during filming. It seems that now they often reconsider whether it makes sense to includes the scenes at all.
The author of the Independent article may be right. Perhaps in some cases film makers are simply pandering to Puritans - if a simple kiss that would have been pretty natural in the moment of a movie, can't be depicted, are we verging on wiping sexuality and even romance out of movies completely? But he offers only one example and I don't think the time has come to sound that alarm bell.
Sexuality is completely normal in my world so I don't think that much about it when I see depictions of consensual sex in movies. But perhaps its time I did. Is it truly necessary for the movie? And were the actors involved comfortable during the filming and able to agree or disagree to how the scenes were being filmed? Its hard to know that from just watching the movie so is it ethical for me to even watch it?
But one of my biggest question remains, why have we finally come to realize that we should be responsible around depictions of sexuality but not of physical violence? And could we ever hope to see a change in that?