The Decline of Sex and Nudity in Movies: Is Hollywood Scared Off?

Title: The Decline of Sex in Cinema: A Look at the Impact of #MeToo and Changing Audience Preferences

In recent years, the film industry has seen a significant decline in the portrayal of sex and nudity on screen. Critics, filmmakers, actors, and audiences have been engaged in a heated debate about the reasons behind this shift. Some attribute it to a perceived puritanical age in Hollywood, while others point fingers at the #MeToo movement for instilling fear in filmmakers.

Film-data analyst Stephen Follows decided to delve deeper into this trend by examining the 250 highest-grossing movies in America every year since 2000. His findings revealed that the level of sexual content in films has dropped by more than 40% in recent years. In 2000, less than 20% of top-grossing movies had no sexual content, whereas today almost half of them are devoid of any sexual scenes.

Follows’ analysis shows a noticeable dip in sexual content around 2018, with a slow increase in recent years but still far from pre-#MeToo levels. He also highlights the influence of Generation Z, who are reportedly more conservative and less interested in on-screen sex, according to a poll conducted by the Centre for Scholars and Storytellers at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The decline of sex scenes in movies has sparked concern among industry professionals and critics. Some argue that the disappearance of sex on screen is linked to the decline of adult mid-budget dramas, while others attribute it to a growing culture of Puritanism that shies away from depicting sexuality.

The rise of on-set intimacy coordinators and the focus on consent in the post-#MeToo era have also impacted the portrayal of sex in films. Directors are now more cautious about including sex scenes, and male directors, in particular, face scrutiny for their portrayal of the male gaze.

Notable filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos and Paul Verhoeven have expressed their bewilderment at the absence of sex in contemporary cinema. Verhoeven, known for his provocative films, believes that sexuality is an essential aspect of human existence and should not be shied away from in storytelling.

As the debate on the decline of sex in cinema continues, it raises questions about the role of sex in storytelling and the evolving preferences of audiences. Whether this trend will continue or if there will be a resurgence of on-screen intimacy remains to be seen.