Martin Freeman has spoken out first time in response to the backlash that his x-rated scene with Jenna Ortega received.
The scene in Miller's Girl, featuring 52-year-old Freeman and 21-year-old Jenna Ortega sparked discomfort among viewers due to its explicit nature and the significant age gap between the actors.
The movie - originally written as a play by Jade Halley Bartlett in 2011 - portrays Ortega as 18-year-old student Cairo Sweet, entangled romantically with her teacher Jonathan, portrayed by Freeman.
Exploring the complexities of their relationship, the film blurs the lines between reality and fiction as Cairo's written fantasies mirror her encounters with Jonathan.
Check out the trailer below:However, the 31-year age difference between the stars, coupled with Ortega's portrayal of the young Wednesday Addams in Netflix's popular series, led many viewers to question the appropriateness of the intimate scenes.
One X user expressing: "I think I am finally done watching these age gap movies. They are all gross, and I am tired of it. No amount of Jenna Ortega or Martin Freeman could save this one for me."
Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments like: "MARTIN FREEMAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO JENNA ORTEGA" and "Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman… I’m uncomfortable"
Now, in an interview with The Times, Freeman defended the film, asserting that it aimed to portray a "grown-up and nuanced" narrative. "It's not saying, 'Isn't [an age-gap romance] great,'" Freeman emphasized, addressing the public's concerns head-on.
He further elaborated on the challenges of tackling sensitive subjects in storytelling, drawing parallels to other controversial films.
"Are we gonna have a go at Liam Neeson for being in a film about the Holocaust?" Freeman questioned, referring to Neeson's role in the acclaimed Schindler's List.
Responding to social media backlash, Kristina Arjona, the intimacy coordinator for the film, assured fans that Ortega's well-being was a priority during filming.
"Throughout this process, many people engaged with [Jenna] to ensure it aligned with her comfort level. She was determined and sure of what she wanted to do," Arjona shared with the Daily Mail.
She emphasized that boundaries were respected on set, with Ortega actively involved in decision-making regarding the scenes. Arjona disclosed discussions with both Ortega and Freeman regarding the level of nudity required, as well as measures to maintain their comfort, including modesty garments and additional barriers during filming.
"My role is to support their decisions and ensure continuous consent, especially with someone significantly younger," Arjona explained
Following Arjona's interview, the Screen Actors Guild has set new guidelines regarding the discussion of such scenes without the permission of the actors involved.
"Members have to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in engaging with intimacy coordinators," a Guild source told Deadline in a statement.
The new standards now read: "Intimacy coordinators should maintain the confidentiality of an actor’s work and experience in performing highly sensitive scenes unless they have the actor’s permission to publicly share this information.
"The public release of details about an actor’s scene work or confidences entrusted to the intimacy coordinator without the performer’s consent is unacceptable."
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