Things used to be different. This also applies to the film industry. However, older actors in particular may not always embrace changes. This is also true for Michael Caine, who has little use for so-called “intimacy coordinators.”
Who is Michael Caine? The British actor Maurice Micklewhite, known by the stage name Michael Caine, is now 90 years old. He made his breakthrough in the 1960s with films such as Zulu (1964) and The Taming of the Shrew (1966).
He has also recently appeared in major productions, for example, in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy as butler Alfred, or in films such as Inception and Interstellar.
Growing up in poor conditions, Caine has become one of the most awarded film actors of his generation throughout his career.
Here you can see the trailer for Batman: The Dark Knight:
“Fortunately, I am 90 and no longer play lovers”
In an interview (via dailymail) with Michael Caine and acting colleague John Standing, so-called “intimacy coordinators” are also discussed. These are people on film sets who are supposed to ensure that boundaries are not crossed during the filming of intimate scenes.
In Caine’s time, these did not exist.
Honestly? What do they do? In my time, there was nothing like that. Fortunately, I am 90 and no longer play lovers; that’s all I can say about that. In my time, we just filmed the love scene and that was it, without anyone interfering.
While he seems unconvinced by these innovations in Hollywood, he still shows a willingness to learn.
“I try, but it’s difficult. I like to learn from friends who are younger than I am,” says the actor. He is primarily inspired by his grandchildren, who provide him with a new perspective on life.
What exactly is an intimacy coordinator?
What do such coordinators do? Similar to a stunt coordinator, an intimacy coordinator plans the respective scenes and ensures the protection of the actors.
Even before filming, it is clarified what exactly happens in the scene and what will later be seen. This way, actors can express any concerns early on. This is mainly meant to protect young, inexperienced actors who might otherwise find it difficult to stand up against directors, crew members, or other actors.
The focus is on the consent of all participants and the avoidance of uncomfortable surprises during filming.
What is the point? Due to incidents like the Weinstein scandal or the MeToo movement, problems in the entertainment industry came to light more frequently. The demand for a professional point of contact for welfare on set was raised.
In 2018, HBO introduced intimacy coordinators as a standard for all productions featuring intimate scenes. Netflix also adopted the system for the series “Sex Education” in 2019. Even in gaming, coordinators have been adopted.
One of the newer films with Michael Caine is the successful science fiction masterpiece Interstellar. This was directed by the legendary director Christopher Nolan. However, someone else was actually originally intended: A different legendary director was originally planned for the film Interstellar
