Gwyneth Paltrow’s return to acting in Marty Supreme has stirred up plenty of conversation, especially about her on-screen intimacy with Timothée Chalamet.
Known for her carefully curated public image and selective approach to projects, Paltrow’s recent remarks about the intimate scenes she filmed with Chalamet offer a candid glimpse into her experience. Also, they help us learn more about the role of the ‘intimacy coordinator,’ which is fairly new in Hollywood, and why some actors and actresses choose not to use it.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Timothee Chalamet are seen at the «Marty Supreme» movie set in Central Park, Manhattan on October 16, 2024 in New York City. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Paltrow’s Unconventional Approach to Intimacy Coordination
“I mean, we have a lot of sex in this movie,” Paltrow revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair. “There’s a lot. A lot.”A significant point of discussion has been Paltrow’s relationship with the intimacy coordinator on set. Paltrow stated that she and Chalamet decided to forgo much of the coordinator’s guidance during their more intimate scenes.
The actress explained, «I didn’t even know something like an intimacy coordinator existed,» adding that when the intimacy coordinator for Marty Supreme asked if she’d be comfortable with a specific move in an intimate scene, she responded, “Girl. I’m from the era where you just get naked, get in bed, the camera is on.”
Gwyneth Paltrow and Timothee Chalamet are seen at the «Marty Supreme» movie set in Central Park, Manhattan on October 16, 2024 in New York City. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
“We said, ‘I think we’re good. You can step a little bit back,’” she recalls, indicating her comfort level and experience with filming such scenes. She also noted that while she understands why newer actors might appreciate detailed guidance, she found the structured direction stifling, explaining, «I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that.»
This moment reflects Paltrow’s confidence as an experienced actress. She compared her approach to acting in sex scenes to that of an artist with her own established boundaries, adding a note of humor. “I was like, ‘Okay, great. I’m 109 years old. You’re 14.’”
What’s an Intimacy Coordinator and Why Do Some Actresses Reject It?
An intimacy coordinator is a professional in the film and television industry responsible for overseeing and choreographing intimate scenes, such as simulated sex and nudity, to ensure they are performed safely, respectfully, and consensually. This role was officially established in 2017 during the production of HBO‘s series «The Deuce.» Actor Emily Meade, along with fellow cast members, expressed concerns about on-set safety during intimate scenes. In response, HBO appointed Alicia Rodis as the first intimacy coordinator to oversee these scenes, ensuring they were conducted safely and professionally.
However, despite being a key resource for filming and having been promoted by the ‘Me Too’ movement, not all actresses make use of it. In fact, Oscar-winning actress for Anora, Mikey Madison, sparked some controversy when she revealed that she rejected this figure.
“For our film, it was a choice that I made; the filmmakers offered me, if I wanted, an intimacy coordinator. Mark Eydelshteyn, who plays Ivan, and I decided it would be best to just keep it small,” Madison revealed during an interview with Pamela Anderson. “My character is a sex worker, and I had seen Sean’s films and know his dedication to authenticity. I was ready for it. As an actress, I approached it as a job.”
Both Madison and Paltrow preferred to manage the situation with their respective acting partners (Chalamet and Eydelshteyn) to give the performance more spontaneity.
The Experience of Returning to Hollywood
Despite her long hiatus from film, Paltrow’s return to acting in Marty Supreme wasn’t an easy decision. Although she has been approached for roles in the past, she has consistently declined offers.
«I get approached, still, surprisingly a lot, and I say no,» she admits without any pretensions.
The key to her return was her brother, Jake Paltrow, a filmmaker who encouraged her to take on this project. For the first time in years, she felt compelled to say yes, largely because the role allowed her to work on her own terms, free from the pressures that once came with being in the spotlight.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
Paltrow’s decision to step back from acting for several years was also rooted in her role as a mother. She shared that being away from her children for extended periods was something she couldn’t contemplate, particularly for a project that required long shoots abroad.
“I didn’t even contemplate doing anything that would take me away from my kids,” Paltrow said. “I’ve always sort of understood how finite this period of childhood is.” Her approach reflects a deep sense of prioritizing her family over career, even when faced with lucrative opportunities.
This statement resonates with many working parents who grapple with the challenges of balancing family life with demanding careers. While Paltrow doesn’t judge those who choose to work through these challenges, she’s clear that, for her, maintaining a close relationship with her children came first.
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