Film has always had the ability to anger, divide, shock, disgust and captivate us. Pushing the envelope with graphic, horrifying, obscene, “tasteful”, or just plain hot sex scenes has been an exciting way to provide controversy, shock value and ultimately insanely high-selling box offices.
Within the context of sexual revolutions that cinema has tried so hard to push, one must ask, “What makes a sex scene influential, ground-breaking, memorable or exciting?” Is it simply semi-naked celebrities, the build-up of sexual tension, unique or new uses of nudity, raw passion and emotion, or something else entirely?
The general depiction of sexuality in mainstream cinema was at one time restricted law and self-imposed industry standards. “Films showing explicit sexual activity were, with very rare exceptions, confined to privately distributed underground films”. The 1960’s, however, began to push the boundaries in terms of what was allowed on-screen. Although now-a-days, the vast majority of sexual situations depicted in mainstream cinema are simulated, on rare occasions filmmakers have produced motion pictures in which actors were allowed (or instructed) to engage in some level of genuine sexual activity, up to and including sexual intercourse!! That takes a sex "scene" to a whole other level!
Now, nudist films were mainly associated with the 1950s and 1960s, although the genre has roots dating back to the 1930s. Nudist films claim to depict the lifestyles of members of the nudism or naturist movement, and sent shock values through the roof for these time periods.
So, back to what makes a sex scene, you know, “sexy”. Here is a list I have compiled of truly captivating sex scenes (to help understand what makes a sex scenes note-worthy):
Nine ½ Weeks (1986)
Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke pushed the limites of sexuality in cinema for mainstream film with their notorious scenes, which lead film industries to be concerned regarding the R rating. The incorporation of blindfolds, ice, and food singlehandedly made new sex fetishes for many.
The Way We Were (1973)
Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford play a couple who fall for each other because of their differences, then break up because of them, too. The sex scene catches them at the height of their doomed romance, and every knows that what’s bad or wrong (or naughty), is sometimes what makes it sooo hot.
The Blue Lagoon (1980)
Don’t tell a guy, “I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last man on earth?” At least for Brook Shields, being stranded on a deserted island with Christopher Atkins—the last man around was hot.What is it about a deserted beach??
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
A handsome young Navy pilot-in-training (Richard Gere) picks up a local girl (Debra Winger) in a bar. Three easy steps to a hot sex scene; Step One: Get a motel. Step Two: Rip off her clothes. Step Three: Devour her. Doesn’t this set back women, like, 30 years? Not when it’s Richard Gere, right? Riiiight…
Risky Business (1983)
Tom Cruise played a regular teen seduced by a call girl (Rebecca De Mornay). Their steamiest liaison: on a train. And, no, he didn’t jump up and down on the seat afterward to proclaim his love for her, thank God.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Ahh the innocent summer flirtation turned sweaty “dance” with me grope-fest. Patrick Swayze gave Jennifer Grey the time of her life, alright.
Ghost (1990)
Patrick Swayze seduces his wife, Demi Moore, while she’s sculpting pottery. I bet he showed her just how skilled his hands are. I wonder just how many women signed up for ceramics class after this aired…
Titanic (1997)
Awww…star-crossed lovers on that damn ill-fated ship. Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio made drawing a little more interesting with their sex scene, in which they make love after he sketches her nude portrait. And, who can forget that sweaty hand.. that kept our love for Leo afloat for the next 10 years (including that unfortunate pasty, bloated stage)
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
On vacation in Jamaica, Angela Bassett has an affair with an islander (Taye Diggs). When they get into a fight, she follows him into the bathroom to apologize, and then steps into the shower with him, fully clothed. Five ultra-sexy minutes later, she does get her groove back — and so does the very pleased audience.
I will be taking a closer look at more modern, mainstream sex scenes but it is hard to look at the present (or future) without taking a quick glance at the cinematic past to see how far we have come (and its faarr). This list of “classics” help show how much sex scenes have evolved, and why they are what they are today.
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