Margo Stilley has openly supported her participation in an unsimulated sex scene, expressing pride in her involvement in the controversial film.
In 2004, Stilley appeared in a movie with Kieran O’Brien, where the two engaged in an authentic, non-simulated sexual scene.
‘Unsimulated sex’ denotes scenes where the actors are genuinely engaging in intercourse, rather than performing a scripted act.
Though uncommon, various films over the years have included such scenes, among them The Brown Bunny from 2003 and the 2008 release Little Ashes.
Despite the controversy, Stilley has consistently defended her choice to participate in the real-life sex scene in her debut film, 9 Songs.
The romantic drama explored the passionate relationship and intimate encounters between Lisa, a college student, and Matt, an English scientist.
The filmmakers chose to include unsimulated sex scenes, a decision that became a point of contention.
The film is recognized as one of the most explicit mainstream movies due to its depiction of real-life sex rather than simulated scenes. Notably, there is a scene where O’Brien ejaculates on screen.
Despite the debates surrounding the film, Stilley has consistently maintained her stance on her participation in the scene.
In a 2008 interview with the Irish Examiner, she stated: “When I did press conferences people would shout abuse at me.”
Stilley recounted being labeled with derogatory terms, noting: “People ask me if I felt that [director] Michael Winterbottom took advantage of me because I hadn’t acted before, but they forget that I developed the character.”
Addressing others’ reactions, Stilley emphasized that the movie was ‘about love and sex’, and stated: “It wasn’t porn. I mean, I had sex with my boyfriend last night and that wasn’t porn.
“It was just hot sex! 9 Songs was a real film about love and sex, and I wanted to do that film and I am proud of it.”
Even with the attention brought by 9 Songs, Stilley shared that she did not feel ‘typecast’ as a result.
“I honestly can say it hasn’t affected my career,” she stated. “I don’t get seen only for roles as women who have sex a lot.”
Before her acting career, Stilley worked as a model after departing from her home in North Carolina to Milan.
She eventually found herself in London, where a modeling connection led her to a role in an Israeli advertisement.