Actresses throughout the history of cinema have often found themselves in awkward and uncomfortable situations, and Aubrey Plaza is no exception.
Recently, a video resurfaced where the actress from “Parks and Recreation” and “The White Lotus” revealed to talk show host Conan O’Brien that she was instructed by a director to perform a masturbation scene on camera.
During the interview, Plaza described the unsettling experience where the camera was positioned on the ceiling while she was in her underwear and a Clinton t-shirt.
Surrounded by a group of older crew members smoking, she followed the director’s instructions and engaged in the intimate act.
The incident took place during the promotion of the film “The To Do List,” directed by Maggie Carey.
In the movie, Plaza portrayed Brandy Klark, a s–ually inexperienced high school student who compiles a list of s–ual activities to explore before college.
O’Brien questioned Plaza about how she approached such a challenging scene, considering the sensitivity and intensity involved in depicting such actions authentically on screen.
Plaza clarified that the masturbation scene was not simulated; instead, she was asked to genuinely pleasure herself in front of the crew by the director.
In contrast to modern filming practices that prioritize privacy and comfort during intimate scenes, Plaza’s experience stands out as discomforting and unsettling.
She expressed feeling nervous and out of her element during the shoot.
This revelation comes at a time when the entertainment industry is reevaluating past practices, particularly concerning the treatment of actors during intimate scenes.
Plaza’s account sheds light on the outdated norms and expectations that actors, especially women, have had to navigate in the industry.
In a related context, actress Brooke Shields recently shared her own experiences of being s–ually objectified in Hollywood from a young age.
In a documentary titled “The Blue Lagoon,” Shields discusses the challenges she faced, beginning with her roles in films like “Pretty Baby” and “The Blue Lagoon,” where she was subjected to explicit scenes despite her age and lack of real-life experience.
Reflecting on her past, Shields emphasized the pressure she felt to comply with industry demands and the toll it took on her well-being.
Her story, along with Plaza’s account, underscores the need for greater respect and boundaries in filming intimate scenes, ensuring the well-being and dignity of actors are prioritized above all else.
