Most of the greatest film classics and popular TV series feature some form of raunchy sex scene which leaves viewers in a state of captivated awe. The tension, sexual chemistry and erotic nature of these scenes often leaves viewers just as breathless as the actors on screen. But just what is it that captures our imagination?
We share some of the industry’s biggest secrets behind the making of some of the nation’s favourite sex-scenes.
Titanic
Viewer Experience: This skin-bearing sex-scene was both metaphorically and visually very steamy! As Rose and Jack flee from Rose’s oppressive fiancé and the ship’s crew; the couple furtively escape into the cargo area, and sneak into the back of a car for their breaking-all-the-rules relations. Despite their not-so-secret affair, Jack is very much depicted as the good-guy of the piece, which encourages viewers to fully engage with the mounting sexual tension in which they are actively attempting to stay together against all odds. The combined anticipation of potentially being caught by with the sexual arousal of Rose and Jack breaking the rules makes for a climactic sexual scene.
On set: To simulate sweat on the exposed skin, actors and actresses are often sprayed with a mixture of rosewater and glycerine, which gives the sparkling, dewy beads-of-sweat effect.
Photo credit: fanpop.com
The Night Manager
Viewer Experience: The Night Manager only furthered Tom Hiddleston’s popularity as an actor, and a major talking point of the series. The forbidden affair with Jed, the wife of a powerful and unstable arms dealer. The scene offers a heady cocktail of danger, rule-breaking and passion.
On set: Filming the scene was somewhat different. Many falsely believe that filming a scene such as this would be erotic however, according to independent.co.uk and the actress (Elizabeth Debicki) who played Jed, this is far from the truth:
“They’re strange things, sex scenes. They’re inherently awkward to do and the best-case scenario is that you get on well with the other person, as Tom and I did.
A considerable amount of time has to be spent working on a mixture of camera angles, body positioning and lighting; after which, any potential of sexual arousal from shooting the scene is pretty much removed for the actress or actor involved.
Photo credit: BBC.co.uk
Game of Thrones
Viewer Experience: Full nudity on the TV series Game of Thrones is not unheard of. The series regularly features scenes of a sexual nature between various characters. Ironically, despite there being copious affairs and sordid sexual relations; some of our favourite sex scenes, as voted by the public, have been between husband and wife characters. Despite the couple’s dubious start; Drogo and Daenerys develop a deep affection and a close intimacy with one another.
On set: TV series and film sets that feature overt sexual scenes often have to make use of a range of devices available to keep the scene as realistic as possible. VFX (visual effects) combined with fantastic acting makes for a convincing performance, which many viewers subsequently believe the actors to be having real sex.
Photo credit: HBO
Atonement
Viewer Experience: The sex scene in Atonement is a classic example how subtle and sultry sexuality can be. The classic clingy-wet garment look and the emeralled green draped silk dress with a low-scooped back, oozes sexual overtones and hightens the sexual tension. This is especially the case with just a glimpse of the actresses’ thighs being revealed, suggesting far more than is actually displayed.
On set: In scenes where the camera is edging ever closer to revealing the actors modesty, modesty pouches and flesh-coloured undergarments with tape are often used to conceal those areas and to make the scene as seamless as possible.
Photo credit: uk.pinterest.com/source/ahappyhousewife.tumblr.com
Dirty Dancing
Viewer Experience: Touch is quite often more powerful than overt porn scenes. There is a lot to be said for the power of imagination. In the film, Dirty Dancing, the couple, Baby and Johnny, quite often have to caress each other whilst dancing. With the delicacy of the touch of a fingertip, drawing its way up towards her breast or lower towards her navel, the couple effortlessly master sexual tension.
The film also features copious gyrathing and flexible, sweaty, ribbed dancers – need we say more?
On set: This film is a prime example on the importance of camera angles, body positioning and lighting. Touch and movement is everything in this film; nudity isn’t ever actually involved.
Photo credit: uk.pinterest.com/DoseOfAmazing
Ghost
Viewer Experience: Similar to that of Dirty Dancing, Ghost offers an effortless depiction of tenderness and love which, when combines with a topless Patrick Swayze and a skimpily-clad Demi Moore, makes for a sensual sex-scene. Getting dirty with the clay also is suggestive of getting dirty with your partner. And the ever-growing vase that is being caressed? Well, I’ll let you use your imagination as to what that could potentially symbolise.
On set: Ghost’s sex scene includes the couple dancing to music, which requires some careful choreographing of moves to music. Once again, the importance of camera angles, body positioning and lighting cannot be underestimated.
Photo credit: youtube.com
Mr & Mrs Smith
Viewer Experience: This film offers some bad-ass moves that combine danger and thrill, spicing up the couple’s rather dull sex lives before discovering that they were both undercover spies. The rather literal rough and tumble adds an intense sense of drama that is an uncommon experience in daily life.
On set: To ensure the safety of the actor and actress, stunts and VFX (visual effects) were used in the making of this scene. It’s definitely not one to try at home!
Photo credit: popsugar.com
Feature image: Alex Cherepanov/Shutterstock
