Venerated British actor Sean Bean, famed for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings, has stirred conversation with his surprisingly frank views on a modern fixture of film sets: the intimacy coordinator.
In a recent interview with The Times, the Sheffield-born star expressed that while he understands the necessity for such roles in today's industry, he personally feels they can disrupt the natural flow and impulsive nature of performing romantic scenes.
A Clash of Old School and New School
Bean, whose career spans decades, suggested that the presence of an intimacy coordinator can make a scene feel overly technical and rehearsed. "I think the natural way lovers behave would be ruined by someone saying, 'Do this, put your hand there,'" he explained. He reminisced about a time when actors navigated such moments through mutual trust and professional understanding.
However, the 65-year-old actor was careful not to dismiss the role entirely. He conceded that intimacy coordinators are "very important" for younger performers or those who might feel more vulnerable, highlighting a generational shift in on-set practices.
Drawing from Past Experience
The conversation was prompted by Bean's latest project, the BBC drama Marriage alongside Nicola Walker. Interestingly, the series did not feature an intimacy coordinator, a detail that aligns with Bean's personal preference for a more organic approach to filming relationships.
This isn't the first time Bean has been outspoken about his craft. He has previously discussed the physical and emotional demands of acting, famously referencing his numerous on-screen deaths. His latest comments provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolving etiquette of film production and the balancing act between artistic freedom and duty of care.
