Al Pacino shares thoughts on "borderline porn" sex scenes
Al Pacino has shared his thoughts on filming graphic sex scenes, which he likened to "borderline porn".
The legendary actor is well known for his action roles in iconic movies such as Scarface and The Godfather trilogy.
However, whilst starring in the 1989 thriller Sea of Love, Pacino had to step outside his comfort zone to shoot a sex scene with co-star Ellen Barkin.
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Reflecting on the experience, the star admitted he wasn't a fan of filming the intimate scenes, and suggested that most actors probably feel the same way.
"I'm not usually one to perform graphic lovemaking scenes," he wrote in his memoir Sonny Boy (via Entertainment Weekly). "And I don't think many other actors like to do them either. It can become sort of borderline porn."
Pacino went on to explain how his role in Sea of Love was different to the other passionate parts he had played.
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"Though I had played romantic leads in other movies," he said. "[Sea of Love] became renowned for a long, slow sex scene where Ellen Barkin holds me against a wall and gives me a bit of a pat-down before our two characters start going at it."
Crediting the director Harold Becker, Pacino did note that "the scene was brilliantly choreographed". However, he fondly remembered the subtle romance of old movies, which he feels "no longer" exist.
He added: "I realise it is futile for me to complain that we're no longer in an age of movies like A Place in the Sun, where Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift could have an entire audience swooning in their seats without ever showing their naked bodies."
Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
