Nudity In Movies: The Fine Line Between Tasteful And Exploitative
Did they learn nothing from Showgirls?
Depending on the context of the story, the director’s intention, the work’s perspective or the execution of the shot, a nude scene may serve as shorthand for a character’s newfound physical or spiritual freedom, or even an emotional or psychological breakthrough. Or it may be another case of entertainment using a woman’s body for shock value. — Maya Phillips (The New York Times) 2023
From erotic thrillers like Basic Instinct to Showgirls, cinema has always been intensely rife with nudity and sex scenes, making for quite a contentious topic. When done well, these scenes add a lot to the story and character development. But when done wrong, they seem icky and just odd, an exploitative element.
In this article, I’ll explore movies that got it right AND the ones that completely missed the mark.
Movies That Got It Right
Blue Valentine (2010)
Blue Valentine, helmed by Derek Cianfrance and starring extremely talented Ryan Gosling and Michelle William, shows a profound, honest portrayal of a collapsing marriage. The intimate moments demand its viewer to feel the same awkwardness and helplessness their characters eventually feel. The relationship between the lead characters is shown through fleeting sex scenes that never feel desperate or incongruous. They help you feel the sadness over the eventual disintegration of their relationship, allowing us to sympathize with their struggles.
The film’s approach to the subject matter is greatly sexual although it is never erotic, but rather instead it is the sort that plays great emphasis on the painful state of the bond between Gosling and Williams. — Jaime Rebanal (Cinema from the Spectrum) 2017
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer starred in this critically acclaimed film about first love and craving. Intimate scenes in Call Me by Your Name were handled deftly throughout, naturally exploring a passionate love affair between two young people. These scenes were organically intertwined into the plotline. The director uses nudity only when the characters needs to express themselves emotionally through sexual relationships.
The way Call Me by Your Name intermingles lust and love, desire and selflessness, flesh and soul is fully in service of Eros, but it isn’t just about sex, though that’s certainly a big part of it. It’s also trying to make us feel a mingling of souls that have found each other, and evoke the exhilaration of that meeting. — Alissa Wilkinson (Vox) 2017
The Shape of Water (2017)
In Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, nudity and intimacy are integral to the plot development. They go beyond physical to show a connection between two souls on deeper levels. I’d call it rather tasteful. These scenes became an essential part of the story, demonstrating absolute love and acceptance.
The eye is dazzled by a thrilling underwater sex
scene of striking carnality, just as the spirit is uplifted by a
swirling dance to an golden oldie. — Peter Travers (Rolling Stone) 2017
Movies That Missed the Mark
Showgirls (1995)
I have to be honest. This movie falls under the ‘so bad, it’s good’ category for me. This guilty pleasure of mine, directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas, bombed at the box office, and for good reasons. The film was criticized for using too much nudity, which detracted from its storyline. The filmmakers went overboard, trying to make the content as explicit as possible to attract the audience. It came off as tacky and in bad taste.
Showgirls is the first big-budget “adults only” movie in a few years and, to be sure, it contains so much nudity that the sexy parts are when the girls put on their clothes. — Roger Ebert (1995)
Basic Instinct 2 (2006)
In 1992, Basic Instinct got everyone’s attention with its steamy, erotic scenes accompanied by a strong, engaging plot. Then came Basic Instinct 2, another erotic feature written by Joe Eszterhas, trying hard to follow the path of its predecessor in terms of being sexy and provocative. But the result was a fizzled-out, laughable mess. Mr. Eszterhas clearly tried to ride on the success of Basic Instinct by using the same formula that worked for it, but with over-the-top and almost ludicrous sex scenes, it completely missed the mark.
Often luridly laughable in its action, dialogue and huffy-puffy sexual imagery, this belated sequel to the 1992 guilty pleasure that launched Stone’s career at least spares no expense in fashion, sets, cinematography and other technical trappings. — The Associated Press (2006)
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
No, I am not in denial; I know the story is literally about BDSM and a young girl’s deflowering (lol) by a charming (creepy) young tycoon. The movie merits sex scenes and nudity. But there’s no denying they were more comic than sexy. With absolutely no character development or any semblance of a plot progression, the sexual content in the film felt excessive and tepid, to say the least. Tawdry and trashy also come to mind.
Fifty Shades of Grey might not be a good movie — O.K., it’s a terrible movie — but it might nonetheless be a movie that feels good to see, whether you squirm or giggle or roll your eyes or just sit still and take your punishment. — A.O. Scott (NY Times) 2015
How Can Filmmakers Make It Right: My Two Cents as a Viewer
Make Sure It Adds to the Story
Nude and sexual scenes should be relevant in that they tell something important about a character or push the story forward. If removing a scene doesn’t affect the story, the director must reconsider including it.
Focus on Character and Emotions
The focus shouldn’t entirely be on physical actions while showing intimacy but rather on the emotional experiences of characters engaging in these acts. A scene filled with vulnerability, connection, or conflict can be so impactful and meaningful to viewers.
Give Priority to Consent and Comfort
Consent and comfort play a dominant role concerning both screen and off-screen activities. These factors help protect actors from discomfort/harm during the filming process, making them feel safe.
No Room for Excesses
Every sex-related scene or element in a movie should bear significant meaning for storytelling purposes.
Meaningful cinema uses nudity and sex scenes to create character development, emotional depth, and narrative momentum. Can you think of any movies that do this inspiringly well or embarrassingly badly? If so, let me know in the comments.
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