Actors Share Insights on Filming Sex Scenes in Halina Reijn’s Babygirl

Set Etiquette and Intimacy Coordinator Key to Comfort

Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, stars of Halina Reijn’s Venice title Babygirl, have opened up about the making of the film’s sex scenes. Speaking at the press conference for the Competition film, Kidman emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional set atmosphere.

“I’m a huge believer still in the sacredness of the set or the actors’ space and it never being violated,” Kidman said. “It’s ours, it’s the bubble, and then there’s the world outside.”

Kidman and Dickinson met for the first time over Zoom before working together in a “little rehearsal space” in New York. They spent six hours discussing their characters and shared stories, which Kidman believes helped build a strong foundation for their on-screen relationship.

“We sat and we went through things, and we just shared stories. A lot of it was talking about ourselves, which is a really great way for actors to come together because you share things,” Kidman explained.

Reijn’s experience as an actress was also a bonus, according to Kidman. “Because Halina is an actress herself, she’d be throwing herself around the round playing all the roles,” Kidman said. “That was fascinating, I’d never experienced that before. She can play every role in the film and very well.”

Intimacy Coordinator

Dickinson credited intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot with creating a comfortable environment for filming the sex scenes. “She was important for the film,” Dickinson said, “and broke the unnecessary barrier and conversation around what you have to do. Ultimately it’s choreography; when you get into the nitty-gritty of those kind of scenes, you have to be very precise with it and she’s very good at getting straight into it on a pragmatic basis.”

“I knew Halina wasn’t going to exploit me,” Kidman said of her decision to take on a role with significant sex scenes. “It’s the story I wanted to be part of, that I wanted to tell. Every part of me was committed to that. There was enormous caretaking by all of us, we were all very gentle with each other and helped each other. Harris, Antonio [Banderas, who plays Kidman’s husband], Sophie… It felt very authentic, protective and real.”

Difference from 1990s Erotic Thrillers

Responding to a question about how her film differs from the erotic thrillers of the 1990s in which women were frequently punished for their sexual freedom, Reijn said, “We all have a beast inside of us. For women, we have not gotten a lot of space to explore this. I don’t want any of my characters to be punished, I just want them to be. That’s when we can really connect to them and feel less alone.”

Conclusion

The making of Babygirl‘s sex scenes was a collaborative effort, with Kidman, Dickinson, and Reijn all working together to create a comfortable and respectful environment. The film’s intimacy coordinator, Lizzy Talbot, played a crucial role in breaking down barriers and allowing the actors to focus on their performances.

FAQs

Q: How did the actors prepare for the sex scenes in Babygirl?
A: Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson met for the first time over Zoom before working together in a “little rehearsal space” in New York. They spent six hours discussing their characters and shared stories.

Q: What was the atmosphere like on set during the filming of the sex scenes?
A: Kidman emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional set atmosphere. “I’m a huge believer still in the sacredness of the set or the actors’ space and it never being violated,” she said.

Q: How did intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot contribute to the filming of the sex scenes?
A: Dickinson credited Talbot with creating a comfortable environment and breaking down barriers around the conversation around what you have to do. “Ultimately it’s choreography; when you get into the nitty-gritty of those kind of scenes, you have to be very precise with it and she’s very good at getting straight into it on a pragmatic basis.”