In a daring move 15 years ago at Cannes, Vincent Gallo’s NC-17 film, The Brown Bunny, caused a stir for its explicit oral s=x scene involving the director and actress Chloe Sevigny, a member of the 2018 Cannes Critics’ Week jury.
Looking back on this milestone, Cheryl Tiegs, aged 70, shared with THR that she was aware of the provocative content but still decided to participate in the project.
Recalling the initial contact from Gallo regarding the movie, Tiegs admitted to some hesitation due to her unfamiliarity with him.
She revealed, “I received a message from Vincent expressing his interest in discussing a movie.
Initially, I delayed responding as I was not familiar with him.”
However, after a month passed, she reached out to him and was intrigued by his recommendation to watch Buffalo ’66.
This viewing experience left her enamored with the film, prompting her swift response to Gallo.
Upon joining the cast, Gallo promptly visited Tiegs at her summer residence in Minnesota, where they filmed her solitary scene at a roadside stop.
Describing the filming process, Tiegs recounted their casual interaction before shooting commenced.
She remembered, “Vincent approached me, and we engaged in light conversation like old friends.
After the first take, he expressed a desire for silence, shifting the dynamics of the scene.
Subsequently, all we did throughout the day was kiss, and I must admit, he is an excellent kisser.”
Despite viewing The Brown Bunny multiple times post-production, Tiegs confessed to struggling to sit through certain scenes.
She disclosed, “While I felt at ease performing such acts, watching them unfold on screen was a different story.
Personally, I believe the inclusion of that particular scene may have had a negative impact on the film’s reception.
However, I acknowledge that Gallo remains indifferent to such concerns.”
Reflecting on her occasional encounters with Gallo over the years, she expressed a desire for further dialogue with him.
This retelling of Cheryl Tiegs’ experience is featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s daily coverage of the Cannes Film Festival on May 12.
