Michael Douglas Unveils Surprising Secret to Authentic On-Screen Intimacy—And It’s Not What You Think
Why do movie sex scenes always look so effortless—like nobody’s ever wrestling with rogue sheet corners or dealing with a strange elbow to the rib? Maybe it’s a matter of chemistry, maybe it’s good lighting, or just maybe there’s a secret sauce only Michael Douglas knows. As a man who has not just survived but thrived in more steamy, awkwardly choreographed Hollywood romps than most of us could dream up, Douglas is arguably as close as you get to an expert on all things intimate on set. And he’ll tell you: it actually comes down to something far more simple than all the glitz, glam, and closed sets—trust. Back in the days before “intimacy coordinators” became a THING (thanks, MeToo and a few million lawsuits later), Douglas had to figure it out the old school way—one careful, trust-building scene at a time. But does trust really trump choreography, and can a modern set ever recapture that old-school magic where reputations managed the boundaries? I’ve got a few opinions . . . but maybe it’s best to hear it straight from the source—Douglas himself, reflecting on his years of sweaty, cinematic (and sometimes hilarious) close encounters. Curious where the line between art and awkward really is? You’re not alone. LEARN MORE
Michael Douglas, who has done more than his fair share of sex scenes, has shared the key element when it comes to getting them right.
Douglas starred in a slew of erotic thrillers during the 1980s and 1990s, including Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction – all filmed long before the introduction of intimacy co-ordinators.
The 82-year-old movie star has shared his views on how to make such scenes work and he reckons it all comes down to one crucial element.
“The only way you can do [it], whether it’s an intimacy coordinator there or not, is with trust,” he told CNN in a new interview.
Douglas said it was important to ‘gain your partner’s trust’ during intimate scenes and stressed that he made sure to be ‘very careful’ during filming.
Michael Douglas has opened up about filming intimate scenes (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
The veteran actor then compared sex scenes to fight scenes, explaining that both are carefully choreographed so that those taking part know what to expect and how to perform.
He went on: “Sex scenes are a lot like fight scenes. You know, fight scenes are choreographed. You know? I’ll hit here, boom, there. And sex scenes are the same way. Okay, I’m going to kiss you here, kiss you there.”
He added: “It’s a question of trust and nobody taking advantage of anybody else.”
Douglas has previously argued that intimacy co-ordinators could be stepping on the toes of filmmaker, but also conceded that there had been issues in the industry with inappropriate behaviour and overstepping boundaries.
Speaking to the Radio Times in 2024, he shared: “I’m past the age where I’ve got to worry about that. But it’s interesting with all the intimacy co-ordinators.
“It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers – but there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment.”
The Hollywood legend says it all comes down to trust (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
In an earlier interview with The Telegraph he said that prior to intimacy co-ordinators actors who did act inappropriately with co-stars would ‘get a reputation’.
Douglas said: “I’m sure there were people that overstepped their boundaries, but before, we seemed to take care of that ourselves. They would get a reputation and that would take care of them.
“But I talked to the ladies, [because] I did a few of those sex movies – sexual movies – and we joke about it now, what it would have been like to have an intimacy coordinator working with us…”
What do intimacy coordinators actually do?
While intimacy coordinators had been around in live theatre for some time, they became in demand for TV and movies in the wake of the 2017 Harvey Weinstein scandal and the rise of the MeToo movement.
Intimacy David Thackeray told LADbible that his job involves encouraging ‘open communication’ and creating a ‘safe space’ for actors to perform.
“An intimacy coordinator allows for consent and boundaries to exist within the space,” he explained.
“When the actor is given the opportunity to say ‘no’ if they do not feel comfortable with a certain touch or moment of the intimate scene, it gives greater weight when they actually do say ‘yes’.
“In addition, an intimacy coordinator ensures that a closed set is in place when necessary. This essentially means fewer people are watching or present when the scene is being shot.
“Taking the time and space to work on these scenes is crucial.”
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