Rob Lowe Laments the Demise of Onscreen Sexuality: A Reflection on Hollywood’s Evolving Sensibilities
Rob Lowe, a veteran actor known for his roles in iconic films throughout the 80s and beyond, has recently ignited a conversation about the shifting landscape of sex scenes in Hollywood. In a recent episode of his podcast, "Literally! With Rob Lowe," Lowe engaged with guest Kristin Davis, famed for her role in "Sex and the City," to dissect the historical context and current state of onscreen intimacy, ultimately lamenting the decline of explicitly sexy films in contemporary cinema.
The discussion sparked from a reflection on Lowe’s 1988 film, "Masquerade," a thriller co-starring Kim Cattrall, another prominent figure from the "Sex and the City" franchise, and Meg Tilly. Lowe revealed a surprising anecdote about the film’s reception, recounting how the studio ultimately "dumped" the project due to its perceived excessive sexuality. "I know, can you imagine such a thing?" Davis responded, highlighting the stark contrast between the cinematic norms of the late 80s and today.
Lowe readily admitted that the sex scenes in "Masquerade" were "pretty gratuitous," but he followed up with a sentiment of nostalgia and a hint of frustration. "But it was great. It was sexy," Lowe stated. "I wish we had sexy movies now. Nobody has sex scenes in movies anymore."
Davis echoed this sentiment, referencing the 2024 erotic thriller "Babygirl," starring Nicole Kidman. She emphasized the rarity of such films in the current climate. "We’re like, ‘Oh, thank God someone made a sexy movie,’ like, it’s an unusual thing now," she explained. This suggests a shift in audience expectations and studio mandates, with explicitly sexual content being viewed as a niche offering rather than a common element of mainstream cinema.
The conversation then veered into a critique of the industry’s reaction to actors who engage in sex scenes. Lowe expressed his frustration with the tendency to label such performances as "brave." "Oh, when they’re like, ‘It’s so brave. She’s so brave.’ She’s ‘brave’ because she has a sex scene. Like, that’s brave now, and in our day, it was required." This highlights the perceived double standard, where what was once a routine expectation for actors is now considered a bold and potentially career-defining choice.
Lowe further contextualized his perspective by referencing his experiences filming sex scenes with Demi Moore in the 1986 romantic comedy, "About Last Night." In a 2021 interview, he described the pervasiveness of sex scenes in the movies of that era. "In those days, there was a sex scene in every movie," Lowe told Yahoo! Entertainment. "Every script I used to get, I would go to page 73, because that was always where the sex scene was! It didnt matter if it was a movie about priests and nuns, on page 73 there was going to be a sex scene."
He then contrasted this with the modern cinematic landscape. "Today, youd watch 17 movies and never see people with their clothes off unless [the movie] is about that." This vividly illustrates the extent to which depictions of sexuality have been scaled back in mainstream film.
Beyond expressing nostalgia for a bygone era of cinematic sensuality, Lowe also offered a realistic perspective on the realities of filming sex scenes. He debunked the notion that they are glamorous or titillating for the actors involved. "Theyre not fun," he stated. "Theyre not a hall pass, as much as you would like it to be. Theyre very technical, and usually very boring. I dont know if youve had to kiss anybody for eight hours straight — its not fun! Its not all you bargain for." This demystification highlights the professional and often tedious nature of what appears to be passionate intimacy on screen.
The decline of onscreen sexuality is a complex phenomenon with a multitude of contributing factors. One potential explanation is the increased sensitivity surrounding issues of consent and sexual harassment in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Filmmakers and studios may be more cautious about depicting sexual content that could be perceived as exploitative or harmful.
Another factor could be the rise of streaming services, which offer a wider range of content and cater to niche audiences. While mainstream cinema may shy away from explicit sexuality, streaming platforms provide a space for more sexually explicit content that appeals to specific demographics. This has arguably led to the segregation of sexuality, with mainstream audiences being shielded from overtly sexual depictions while those seeking such content can find it readily available elsewhere.
Furthermore, changing social attitudes towards sexuality may also play a role. While sexual liberation has progressed in many ways, there is also a growing awareness of the potential for objectification and exploitation. This has led to a more nuanced and critical approach to depictions of sexuality in media, with audiences demanding more responsible and ethical representations.
Ultimately, Rob Lowe’s reflections on the demise of onscreen sexuality raise important questions about the role of sex in cinema and the evolving relationship between Hollywood and its audience. While the days of gratuitous sex scenes may be over, the conversation about how sexuality is depicted on screen remains a vital one, with implications for representation, social attitudes, and the future of filmmaking. Whether the pendulum will swing back towards more explicit content in mainstream cinema remains to be seen, but the ongoing discussion ensures that the topic remains relevant and subject to ongoing scrutiny.
