Understanding the Trend
The world of cinema has seen a noteworthy transition over time. A recent investigation by film data analyst Stephen Follows has brought to light a substantial decline in the sexual content in top-grossing films. The research shows a nearly 40% decrease in the past two decades. This implies that half of the blockbuster movies today have no sexual content. It’s a stark contrast from the year 2000 when only 20% of films fell into this category.
Observations of the Study
Follows conducted in-depth research regarding the sexual content in high-grossing Hollywood films. He scrutinized the 250 highest-earning films in the US every year from 2000. The analysis extended to evaluate the level of sex and nudity from “none” to “severe”. However, it is important to mention that while scenes containing sexual content have lessened, the explicit nature of those retained has escalated.
The Shift in Dynamics
As films pare down on sexual content, the sensationalism once created by explicit scenes seems hard to replicate. Candid scenes that had a significant impact, like Sharon Stone’s infamous role in ‘Basic Instinct’, have become harder to come across today. Meanwhile, elements like substance use, violence, and explicit language have maintained their consistency.
Impact of the #MeToo Movement & Intimacy Coordinators
The reduction in on-screen sexual content may, in part, be due to the advocacy and reform brought about by the #MeToo movement in 2018. This social revolution triggered significant changes in the ways Hollywood handles sex. Intimacy coordinators have become a common presence on movie sets to ensure that intimate scenes are handled with the utmost respect and consideration.
An example of this is the recent movie ‘Drive Away Dolls’ by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke. The film has explicit sexual content but it was filmed under the watchful eye of an intimacy coordinator. Coen found this addition beneficial and likened it to a stunt coordinator’s role on action film sets.
The Perception of Modern Directors
Emerald Fennell, the director of ‘Saltburn’, opines that using suggestion rather than exposing nudity can be more effective. Fennell believes the understanding of the act, rather than its explicit visualization, is integral to the essence of the scene.
Echoing Fennell’s views, Luca Guadagnino, director of ‘Call Me By Your Name,’ suggested that filming an intimate scene should be as normal as any other scene. It all boils down to the comfort of the actors involved.
Conclusion
In light of the study, it is evident that sexual content in top-grossing films has shown a steady decline. While explicit scenes are scantier these days, the approach to filming them has evolved. The focus is now more on implied intimacy and comfort of the actors. Depicting sex in cinema has been revolutionized alongside the growing emphasis on consent, comfort, and emotional representation. Reflecting the changing norms of society, cinema is in the midst of a noteworthy transformation. As we understand this trend, it provides a valuable insight into the changing dynamics of the movie industry.
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