A Brief Guide To...
To do a sex scene or not to do a sex scene? Actor Pauline McLynn's musings.

As an actor I am supposed to be available to do whatever is necessary for the success of any film project I’m involved in and, mostly, I am. But there comes a time in all productions when the question is asked ‘Is this scene necessary?’ The question is all the more delicate if it involves sexual intercourse. The perceived wisdom is that sex sells. However, sex is actually quite diffcult to get right – even more so when you’re going to be watching it on a monstrously large cinema screen. It’s got to be, well, kind to the eyes, especially the audience’s eyes. This is all very well for the young, buff and tanned of the Americas, but what of pale, Irish flesh, each chilled follicle emphasised in the ever-popular High Definition? HD, or Hideous Definition in my book, is wonderful for colour and depth, sure, but is not in any way kind to humans. And I like my sex kind – to watch at any rate. There is nothing worse than wincing at a cruel and unusual angle during a bit of nude love-wrestling. (Incidentally, porn stars in the US hate HD because of its exposé of bodily faults and if it’s not good enough for an American Porn Star, it sure ain’t good enough for me either.)

The full article is printed in Film Ireland 120.