Veteran actress Gillian Anderson recently shared her thoughts on the challenges of filming intimate scenes and revealed what can make them even more uncomfortable.
Acting often involves unexpected hurdles, one of which is the intricacies of filming sex scenes. While these scenes can be crucial to the narrative, viewers may not realize the numerous takes and angles required to capture them effectively.
The complexity of shooting intimate scenes is a key reason why many actors appreciate the presence of intimacy coordinators on set.
In an interview with the Sun, Anderson discussed the details of filming such scenes, particularly in her latest project, The Salt Path. The film features a sex scene with co-star Jason Isaacs, set in a cramped two-man tent on England’s southwest coast.
Anderson acknowledged that these scenes can be awkward, especially when working with an unfamiliar co-star.
She remarked, “That is something you just expect as an actor. That’s part of what one does. I had an experience for many, many years working with the same actor every day.”
She continued, “I’ve also done sex scenes on the first day of working, which is never a joy at any time during filming.”
Regarding her experience with Isaacs, she commended his cooperative nature.
“So you’re thrown stuff all the time and just show whatever you’re given,” Anderson explained. “And Jason makes it very easy. He’s very amenable, he’s very likable.”
She further noted, “And certainly physically, we feel like we’re the same language — certainly by the end. We feel like our journey is baked into us, and we feel like we’re part of the same conversation.”
Anderson humorously commented on her character Raynor Winn having sex in a tent, questioning why not make love anywhere, acknowledging it might be uncomfortable but sometimes necessary.
Anderson, an advocate for female sexual empowerment, released a book in 2024 titled ‘Want.’ This book comprises anonymous female sexual fantasies, and Anderson hinted that one of the fantasies might be her own, though she hasn’t confirmed which one.
She suggested that a future book might reveal more of her personal desires.