Rob Lowe Reflects on the Evolution of Steamy Scenes in Hollywood

Rob Lowe Reflects on the Evolution of Steamy Scenes in Hollywood

When discussing the portrayal of passionate scenes in films, Rob Lowe shares his insights from decades in the industry. The veteran actor recently engaged in a thought-provoking conversation about the changing attitudes towards sex scenes in cinema.

During a recent episode of his podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe, he spoke with guest Kristin Davis, best known for her role in Sex and the City. Their discussion centered on the historical significance of erotic scenes in Hollywood.

Remembering The Past: A Flashback to the 1980s

While reflecting on his 1988 film, Masquerade, Lowe recounted how the studio decided to distance itself from the movie because it was deemed “too sexy” for audiences.

“Can you imagine such a thing?” Davis asked, astonished.

Lowe candidly admitted that the film’s steamy scenes were quite “gratuitous.” He expressed a longing for the cinematic experiences of his past, stating, “It was great. It was sexy. I wish we had sexy movies now. Nobody has sex scenes in movies anymore.”

The Current Landscape of Erotic Cinema

The conversation shifted to the upcoming erotic thriller Babygirl, starring Nicole Kidman. Davis noted that it remains an exception to see such movies in today’s film industry.

“We’re like, ‘Oh, thank God someone made a sexy movie,’” she remarked, highlighting the rarity of erotic films in recent years.

Shifting Cultural Perspectives

Lowe agreed with Davis, emphasizing the double standard present in today’s film landscape. He cited how critics often label actors as “brave” for taking on intimate roles.

“Oh, when they’re like, ‘It’s so brave. She’s so brave.’ She’s ‘brave’ because she has a sex scene. Like, that’s brave now, and in our day, it was required,” he stated, drawing attention to the stark contrast between then and now.

Previous Revelations: A Glimpse into the 80s and 90s

In a 2021 interview, Lowe shed light on his experience filming sex scenes, notably alongside Demi Moore in the 1986 romantic comedy About Last Night.

“In those days, there was a sex scene in every movie,” he explained. “Every script I used to get, I would go to page 73, because that was always where the sex scene was!”

Lowe humorously noted that it did not matter the genre; even a film about priests and nuns would have an intimate encounter on that specific page.

A Changing Narrative

Today’s audience might watch numerous films without encountering nudity, unless the narrative explicitly calls for it. “You’d watch 17 movies and never see people with their clothes off unless the movie is about that,” Lowe remarked.

He added, “They’re not fun. They’re very technical, and usually very boring. I don’t know if you’ve had to kiss anybody for eight hours straight — it’s not fun! It’s not all you bargain for.”

Engaging with Contemporary Audiences

The discourse about sex scenes reveals deeper cultural shifts. While audiences in the past accepted erotic content as part of mainstream cinema, today’s viewers often react differently. The once-common practices appear to give way to a more cautious approach.

Lowe’s observations serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in filming intimate scenes. These moments require a delicate balance between art and the personal comfort of the actors involved.

The Future of Intimacy on Screen

As the industry navigates evolving standards, actors like Lowe question whether society will embrace the return of steamy storytelling. The nostalgia for a time when passionate scenes were commonplace prompts a discussion among fans and filmmakers.

Ultimately, the future of sex scenes in cinema remains uncertain. The changing landscape compels filmmakers to reconsider how to approach these themes in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.

In closing, Lowe’s reflections on the cinematic past offer valuable insights into how film and society intersect regarding intimacy. While he longs for the days of steamy romance on screen, the conversation underscores the importance of understanding the evolving nature of representation in Hollywood.

As industry leaders adapt to new norms, one can only hope that the allure of romantic films can find its way back into the spotlight, captivating audiences once again.