Rob Lowe Reflects on Hollywood’s Changing Landscape of Sex Scenes

Rob Lowe recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of sex scenes in Hollywood, particularly in light of the new film “Babygirl.” Speaking candidly about the industry, he noted that the depiction of intimate moments has undergone significant transformation since his early acting days. Lowe recalled that during the 1980s, sex scenes were often a…

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Rob Lowe Reflects on Hollywood’s Changing Landscape of Sex Scenes


Rob Lowe
recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of sex scenes in Hollywood, particularly in light of the new film “Babygirl.” Speaking candidly about the industry, he noted that the depiction of intimate moments has undergone significant transformation since his early acting days.

Lowe recalled that during the 1980s, sex scenes were often a necessity in screenplays, particularly around the mid-second act, which he described as "notoriously the toughest sledding in storytelling." He emphasized that writers frequently placed these scenes on page 73, a common reference point among actors. "You didn't have to read the whole script. You just went to page 73," he stated.

Despite the repetitive nature of filming such scenes, Lowe expressed a certain nostalgia for the erotic films of yesteryears. He admitted that sex scenes were not always pleasant experiences on set. He reflected on his work with Demi Moore in the 1986 film "About Last Night," recalling the laborious process of filming their intimate sequences. "Kissing someone for eight hours straight is not a pleasant experience," he remarked, highlighting the challenges actors face during these shoots.

Lowe pointed out that Hollywood studios seemed uncomfortable with overt sexual content during the '80s, contributing to a shift in how intimate scenes are approached in contemporary cinema. "We're like, 'Oh, thank God, someone made a sexy movie'—like it's an unusual thing now," said Kristin Davis, underscoring the rarity of erotic films today.

While Lowe admitted disappointment over the decline of erotic films, he expressed enthusiasm for "Babygirl." He acknowledged that despite not having seen it yet, he is glad it was made. "I can't wait [to see Babygirl], but it's so unusual that we even talk about it," said Davis, echoing Lowe's sentiments regarding the industry's current landscape.

The actor also fondly recalled his own work in "Masquerade," where he starred alongside Kim Cattrall. He reiterated his desire for more sexual content in films and for it to be normalized rather than sensationalized. "I love that there are still erotic films being made, like 'Babygirl,'" he said.

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