Sex in film
Sex in film refers to the presentation in motion pictures of sex acts, including love scenes. Sex scenes have been depicted in film since the silent era of cinematography. Many actors and actresses have exposed parts of their bodies or underwear at some stage of their careers, or dressed and behaved in ways considered sexually provocative by contemporary standards. Some films have been criticized by religious groups and/or banned by governments because of the sex scenes.
Sex in film should be distinguished from nudity in film. Nudity and sexuality are features of pornographic films. In softcore films, sexuality is less explicit. Erotic films are suggestive of sexuality, but need not contain nudity. A film on naturism or about people where nudity is common may contain non-sexual nudity. In some genres of film, sexuality is rarely depicted.
Attitudes by region
- India
Sex scenes in mainstream Indian movies were rare until the end of the 1990s, with kisses, sex, and rape being depicted symbolically. For example, kissing was shown as the meeting of two flowers, rape as the breaking of a glass bottle, etc. In recent years, attitudes have changed in the movie industry, especially Bollywood, with some movies dealing with sexual themes, though not without controversy. Many Bollywood stars accept sex scenes but without nudity. Kissing is common.
- Philippines
Many erotic films have been produced, to the chagrin of feminists in that country.
- Europe
European movies are famous for erotic scenes, particularly those from Portugal, Italy, France, and Germany. Pedro Almodovar of Spain is a prolific director who includes eroticism as part of many of his movies. Tinto Brass, from Italy, has dedicated his career to converting explicit sex into mainstream content. His films are also notable for feminist-friendly eroticism. French filmmaker Catherine Breillat caused controversy with unsimulated sex in her films Romance and Anatomy of Hell. In Italy, nudity and strong sexual themes go back to the silent era with films like The Last Days of Pompeii (1926). Portuguese films without nudity or sex are rare.
- United States
Many comedy films produced in the United States are based around sex, and drama series, including daytime soap operas, also contain sex scenes. Characters meant to be portrayed as minors are often played by twenty-something actors, mainly to display the sexuality of the "underage" characters.
- Mexico
In Mexico, many comedy movies are based around sex, typically portraying men as unstoppable sex-seeking creatures and women as willing targets. Although the numbers of such comedies waned during the 1990s, domestic servants, bar workers, dancers, and neighbors' wives continue to be depicted as potentially willing sexual partners.
Feminist views
Many feminists view eroticism and sex in film as exploiting women because women are shown as objects of erotic desire. This is similar to feminist attitudes to western art throughout history-that it treats women as objects of a discretionary male gaze. This is not a universal view, however; see sex-positive feminism.
Religious views
Many conservative Christian organizations have protested against films they consider erotic. They believe that sex in movies is unacceptable. In many Muslim countries, movies have been banned for their content.
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