Michael Douglas Believes Intimacy Coordinators Hinder Filmmakers

Actor Michael Douglas has expressed his reservations about the use of intimacy coordinators on film sets, arguing that they limit the creative freedom of directors and actors. Douglas believes that in the past, actors were able to handle such scenes themselves, ensuring the comfort of their scene partners through open communication.

Michael Douglas, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in films such as "Fatal Attraction" and "Wall Street," has voiced his concerns regarding the growing presence of intimacy coordinators on film sets. In a recent interview with Radio Times, Douglas shared his perspective on the matter, comparing the current approach to how such scenes were handled in the past.

Douglas argues that the involvement of intimacy coordinators could potentially hinder the creative process. He believes that it takes away some of the autonomy and trust between actors and directors, who have traditionally navigated these scenes with sensitivity and professionalism.

"I'm past the age where I've got to worry about that," Douglas said. "But it's interesting with all the intimacy coordinators. It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers – but there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment."

Douglas emphasized the importance of open communication and mutual respect between actors when filming intimate scenes. He believes that by discussing and choreographing the actions beforehand, actors can ensure the comfort and safety of their scene partners, without the need for external supervision.

"I'm sure there were people that overstepped their boundaries, but before, we seemed to take care of that ourselves," Douglas said. "They would get a reputation and that would take care of them."

Douglas's views resonate with those of other actors who have expressed reservations about the presence of intimacy coordinators on set. Actress Toni Collette, for example, has shared that she felt "anxious" having them on set, believing that they added unnecessary pressure and hindered her performance.

However, it's important to note that other actors and industry professionals have welcomed the presence of intimacy coordinators, citing their role in creating a safe and comfortable working environment for actors, particularly in scenes involving nudity or simulated sexual activity.

Ultimately, the use of intimacy coordinators on film sets remains a topic of debate within the entertainment industry. While some actors and filmmakers see them as a positive step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of performers, others believe that they may limit the creative freedom and spontaneity of the filmmaking process.