Mark Rylance reflects on ‘Intimacy’ sex scene challenges
Rylance regrets 'Intimacy' role due to explicit content and emotional toll
Mark Rylance, renowned for his roles in films like “The Outfit” and “Bridge of Spies,” has shared the challenges he faced starring in the film ‘Intimacy’.
The 64-year-old actor and playwright has a diverse filmography, but one film stands out for its explicit content. Fans of his role in “The BFG” might be surprised to learn about his experience in the 2001 film “Intimacy.” In this film, Rylance played a London musician who engages in weekly sexual encounters with a woman, portrayed by Kerry Fox.
The film took a bold approach, featuring an unsimulated oral sex scene between the lead actors. Additionally, a sex scene left viewers convinced of actual penetration, as noted by researcher Tanya Krzywinska. The film sparked controversy and holds a 66 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some praised it as imaginative and interesting, Rylance reflected on the film with regret during a 2016 Q&A session.
When asked why he took on the role, Rylance explained, “Intimacy was the most difficult job I’ve ever had. Hanif Kureishi’s work and Patrice Chereau’s words convinced me it was a very true and vital story about the difficulties people face finding intimacy in a big city like London.” He found the process and subsequent publicity painful, wishing he hadn’t made the film.
Rylance also recalled the pressure he felt during the oral sex scene. “It soured me on my life for two months,” he admitted. He lacked the confidence to refuse at the time, noting, “Now I think a lot of actors that people say are difficult are actually just being sensible.”
Fox’s partner also commented on the film, acknowledging his jealousy. In an article for The Guardian, he wrote, “If Kerry accepted the role, the sex in Intimacy would be far more demanding than the normal perfunctory erotic interlude of most mainstream movies. To some indefinable degree, this sex would be real.”
The film is available for streaming on Prime Video.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Female First reports that Mark Rylance regrets making the controversial film ‘Intimacy’, which features unsimulated sex scenes, citing emotional pain and pressure from the director. (read more)
- FilmInk provides an in-depth review of Mark Rylance’s involvement in the film ‘Intimacy’, discussing its themes oand the controversy surrounding its explicit content. (read more)
- Ladbible reports that Mark Rylance regrets making the 2001 film Intimacy due to its controversial content and the pressure exerted by the director, Patrice Chéreau. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Mark Rylance find starring in Intimacy painful?
Rylance found the making and subsequent publicity of the film very painful and wished he hadn’t made it.
Did Mark Rylance perform an unsimulated sex act in Intimacy?
Yes, Rylance performed an unsimulated oral sex scene in the film Intimacy.
What was Intimacy about?
Intimacy is about a London musician who meets a woman weekly for sexual rendezvous, exploring the difficulties of finding intimacy.
How did the public react to Intimacy when it was released?
Intimacy was controversial and has a middling score of 66% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where can I watch Intimacy?
You can stream the film on Prime Video.
