A scene in It Ends With Us has sparked considerable controversy after its lead stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, made conflicting claims during a slow dance sequence.
Blake Lively’s Accusation
The Green Lantern actress alleged that her co-star sexually harassed her during the dance scene. Lively’s public accusation drew scrutiny and placed the actor in a difficult position.
Justin Baldoni’s Response
In response to Lively’s claims, Baldoni shared behind-the-scenes footage, attempting to refute her allegations. The video was intended to provide a different perspective of what transpired during the scene.
Expert Analysis: Brenda King
An expert in intimacy on sets, Brenda King, weighed in on the controversy. King, who was not involved in the film, offered her professional insights on the interaction between the two actors.
King began by highlighting the importance of body language in conveying intimacy on screen: “Intimacy is such a story in its own, and the way we interact with each other tells you so much about a person and their relationship with the other.”
According to King, Lively’s body language suggested discomfort during the scene. “I see her shoulders are really high up. They’re tense,”she noted.
King’s Recommendations
King had specific suggestions for how the scene could have been handled differently. She recommended that the intimacy coordinator might have considered pulling Lively aside.
King proposed a different approach: “I would’ve liked to have pulled Blake out of this scene and been like, ‘Hey, I see you not present in this scene. I noticed that you’re deflecting, you’re talking about how you want to be talking. You don’t want to be kissing.’”
She further suggested focusing on creating intimacy through dialogue and voice rather than physical closeness if Lively was uncomfortable: “Do you think there’s a way to create intimacy through your voice? And do you think we could clear some distance between your heads?”
The “Desexualization” of the Scene
King concluded her analysis by suggesting that Lively’s actions were an attempt to “remove or desexualize the scene.” This desexualization, according to King, was unfortunate given the nature of the film.
Implications and Takeaways
The controversy surrounding the scene raises important questions about the dynamics of intimacy scenes on set and the importance of respecting actors’ boundaries. It underscores the need for clear communication and protocol during the production of such scenes.
The inclusion of an intimacy coordinator is a positive step towards ensuring that actors feel safe and respected. However, this case highlights the need for continuous improvement and education in this field.
Conclusion
The disagreement between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, while controversial, has shed light on the complexities of filming intimacy scenes. It highlights the importance of open communication and respect among all parties involved in creating a safe and professional on-set environment.
As the discussion continues, it’s crucial to focus on the well-being of actors and the integrity of the filmmaking process.
What do you think about the controversy? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us foster a respectful conversation.