Rob Lowe Calls Sex Scenes “Unusual” Today: A Nostalgic Look at Hollywood’s Heat

In a recent episode of his podcast “Literally!”, Rob Lowe, the iconic heartthrob of the ’80s, lamented the current state of Hollywood’s sexual content, suggesting that “nobody has sex scenes in movies anymore.” Joined by Kristin Davis, known for her role as Charlotte York in “Sex and the City,” the pair reminisced about the days when on-screen intimacy was practically a requirement for any successful film. Lowe recalled his 1988 movie “Masquerade,” which was deemed “too sexy” for audiences—a stark contrast to today’s cinematic climate, where such scenes are often seen as groundbreaking rather than obligatory.

Davis, although agreeing with Lowe’s observations, pointed to Nicole Kidman’s recent film “Babygirl” as a notable exception, where she plays a married CEO engaging in an affair with her much younger intern. While Lowe praised the film as “pretty hot,” he was quick to dismiss the notion that actors today are particularly “brave” for taking on such roles. He argued that what was once a standard trope in storytelling has now turned into a badge of honor for contemporary stars. “In our day, it was required,” he remarked, referencing the infamous “page 73 rule,” where scripts typically contained a sex scene around that page, often as a means to spice up the narrative.

Kidman herself has expressed the intricacies involved in filming such scenes, stating that they require “an enormous amount of trust.” She emphasized her desire to explore new territories as an actress, particularly in a genre that often lacks female representation at the helm. The dichotomy between past expectations and current perceptions of intimacy in film reflects a broader trend in Hollywood. While films like “Babygirl” may push boundaries, they also highlight a growing sensitivity around on-screen sexuality, which some now view as a courageous act of vulnerability.

In a world increasingly obsessed with the complexities of consent and representation, it seems that what was once commonplace has transformed into a rarity—leaving many, including Lowe and Davis, yearning for the sultriness of yesteryear’s cinema. As the industry navigates these changes, one wonders if the next generation of films will find a middle ground, blending the audacity of the past with the nuanced storytelling of the present.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter

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