What criteria should be used to determine whether a sex scene is good or not?
In many ways, the film industry has made tremendous advances in terms of its representation of sex, especially when compared to other media. It’s easy to forget that not so long ago, daring directors were pushing the boundaries of censorship and introducing viewers to graphic, explicit, and often awkward sex scenes.
That said, there is still a lot of room to do better. Here are some of the reasons why more—and better—sex scenes are a necessity:
1. It Normalizes Sex and Explores Relationship Dynamics
Sex is a natural part of life, so why shouldn’t it be represented in films? By focusing on the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of sex, filmmakers have the opportunity to explore the complexities of relationships and portray them in a more realistic light.
2. It Elevates Cinematic Boundaries
Rather than serving only as cheap thrills or titillating moments, well-crafted sex scenes can add an artistic flair to a movie. They present a unique challenge for filmmakers to push creative boundaries and explore the extremes of visual and physical language.
3. It Encourages Open and Honest Conversation
There is still a large amount of stigma and taboos surrounding sex. By depicting it on the big screen, viewers can engage in an honest conversation about sex and its various implications. This can start an important dialogue about sexual education and remove some of the shame and judgment that exists around this topic.
4. It Can Provide Audiences with a Sense of Empowerment
Sex scenes can also be used to explore themes of empowerment and body positivity. Through representations of healthy sexual relationships, filmmakers can show characters discovering their own sexuality and taking control of their own pleasure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, more—and better—sex scenes can be advantageous in many ways. They can expand the boundaries of cinematic language, encourage honest conversations about sex, and provide a source of empowerment for viewers.
The emergence of streaming services, the advancements in technology, and increasing viewer interest have all contributed to the move towards TV series being granted the liberty to create more daring content. However, movies are still largely being held back in terms of how much sexual content they can explore, compared to the amount of violence typically seen on the big screen. It is well past the time that more thoughtful and quality sex scenes are given the spotlight in Hollywood movies.
The divide between the representation of violence and sex on movies is increasingly clear. Excessive violence is often the norm for convincing the audience of the authenticity of a scene. However, an alternative approach and conversation possibilities during sex scenes is often dismissed by directors. This leads to discomfort from audiences, and an expectation that sex scenes should stand up to ridiculous standards, even though they offer ample space to explore a greater range of emotion and complexity.
The use of sex scenes to further character development, to capture a story arc, or to explore the full extent of a character’s life is a craft which needs to be explored. Too often stories focus on blood and gore or physical aspects, but sex is a part of life, and can have a much greater impact on a story. Some of the most iconic movies—When Harry Met Sally, The Notebook, and Brokeback Mountain—use sex scenes effectively. Not only do they explore elements of physical and emotional attachment, but they can aid audiences in developing a greater understanding of characters and their shared experiences.
Depictions of healthy and real sexual representations in movies can not only bring more attention to overlooked storylines, but can help to build safer and understanding attitudes towards sex in general. In the same way violence is used, sex can be used in movies to nuance and portray the full scope of character development and Hollywood should rise to the challenge.
Young viewers are eager to see more explicit or detailed sex scenes, as they are aware of their influence and they are keen to see what they are being exposed to in the media. Being able to watch and gain a better understanding of a given topic can only be beneficial when it comes to preparing for real life experiences. Quality sex scenes can be incredibly powerful and offer so much more than cheap thrills.
In order for Hollywood to progress and viewers to get the full scope of a story, quality sex scenes must be included more often. Doing so will allow for more experimental storytelling, which would otherwise be seen as too risqué for the Hollywood system. Instead of censoring sex, it should be treated in the same manner as violence, with caution and care. Quality sex scenes lead not only to better movie experiences, but outline current societal concerns and facilitate a better understanding between genders, the pain and joy of relationships, and ultimately the human experience.