Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine | Image: The Weinstein Co.
Cinema enthusiasts have no doubt read one or more accounts of what it was like for a partcular actor to film a sex scene in a project on which they worked. Most of the time, the standard answer is that filming sex scenes is awkward, uncomfortable and not in the least bit sexy. Yet occasionally, an actor will tell another story: one in which they found the experience arousing and enjoyed it. Which is the truth? Likely all of the above. It depends on the chemistry between the actors, who is allowed on set while the scene is being filmed, the style of the director and a number of other extraneous factors.
The linked article at Esquire has fifty different quotes from actors regarding their take on the filming of sex scenes. Read their individual anecdotes and varying opinions on the process here.
Also, if you feel so inclined, share which actor or actress you'd select to have a sex scene with in the comments. Who's your type? Enquiring minds...