Jenna Ortega was “sure about what she wanted to do” for her X-rated sex scene with Martin Freeman in Miller’s Girl and received full support during filming, according to the film’s intimacy coordinator, who applauded claims of on-screen smut. . The moment was “disgusting.”
Jenna, 21, plays Cairo Sweet, an 18-year-old student, in the age gap drama, while Martin, 52, takes on the role of her teacher Jonathan Miller.
Viewers were quick to express their concern at seeing Wednesday’s actress engage in “awkward” sexual scenes with the Sherlock star, who is 31 years her senior.
But intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona has exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that Jenna was involved in the decisions about curating the racy moments, as she insisted that at no point were any boundaries “crossed”.
“There were many, many people throughout this process, interacting with (Jenna) to make sure it was consistent with what she was comfortable with, and she was very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do,” Kristina said.
An
The intimacy coordinator who worked with both actors has confirmed that Jenna was “very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do.”
Kristina Arjona told DailyMail.com that “informed consent” was “consistent” throughout filming with both Martin and Jenna.
‘Part of my job is also to support their decisions. I adapt to the comfort level of my actors, especially in a production like this where there is a big age difference between the actors.
“I am very conscious of my talent and making sure that we are constantly checking and that at no time are any of its limits exceeded.” And again, making sure, especially with someone who is significantly younger, that you are giving continued consent.
The film sees Cairo and Jonathan entangled in a very complex and inappropriate relationship, with Cairo choosing to write a sexual story after being given a creative writing assignment by his tutor-turned-love interest.
Kristina discussed the “level of nudity” with Jenna and Martin, as well as what “simulated sex scenes” were necessary, before telling them about modest clothing and the “additional barriers” they could use to ensure an “appropriate distance” was maintained. .
This information was also provided to the actors in written format 48 hours before the scenes were filmed, but Kristina emphasized that “they also have the option that day to change their mind if they don’t want to do any of the elements we’ve talked about.
She revealed that there were extensive discussions between cast and crew before scenes were filmed and that test audiences were used to give bosses an idea of what was “too much”.
“For this film, in particular, because of the sensitivity of the content, they had a few different variations of how they wanted to film these scenes so that audiences could see them in test screenings and see what was too much.”
Martin plays a teacher named Jonathan Miller who forms a very close relationship with his student Cairo Sweet, played by Jenna.
Kristina revealed that there were extensive discussions between the cast and crew before filming any scenes and when the cameras rolled, several alternatives were filmed.
Sherlock actor Martin bulked up for the film and had noticeably larger biceps to play the role.
Jenna’s character is seen smoking in many scenes while forming a complex relationship with her older teacher.
However, viewers were quick to express their disdain for the intimate scenes that ultimately ended up in the film, with one simply writing: “I feel uncomfortable.”
Another wrote: “I think I’m finally done watching these age gap movies.” They’re all disgusting and I’m tired of it. No amount of Jenna Ortega or Martin Freeman could save this for me (sic).’
Others defended the film, which was directed and written by Hollywood newcomer Jade Halley Bartlett, with one writing: “An erotic thriller starring Martin Freeman and Jenna Ortega lol, like what people expected.”
Another wrote: ‘Apparently people are freaking out because Jenna Ortega kisses a girl in one scene and assumes doggy style with Martin Freeman in another. Like the boys, it’s a movie, she’s acting. Cool.’
A source also told DailyMail.com: ‘People need to get over the fact that Jenna is not Wednesday Adams and that she is a grown woman who is exploring serious roles as a talented actress.
“The fact that this has stirred the pot and is being labeled as disgusting is incredibly misogynistic.”
Director Jade Halley Bartlett photographed with Jenna and Martin at the world premiere of Miller’s Girl at the 35th Palm Springs International Film Festival last month.
Martin’s role as a desirable professor is a far cry from his previous acting credits, including the hapless Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.
Jenna seemed a lot more childlike when she took on the role of Wednesday Addams on the hit Netflix series Wednesday.
Martin plays the role of a failed writer who turned to teaching after his attempts to find success as a published author failed.
He sees a wealth of untapped talent in Jenna’s Cairo and, despite her increasingly inappropriate pursuits of him, decides to risk his career and marriage to try to help her succeed where he failed.
Jade has spent years trying to bring the film to life: she earned a spot in 2016 on the Black List, a platform that highlights unproduced scripts and helps writers and producers bring their work to the big screen.
The film, which was initially written as a play by Jade in 2011, was released by Lionsgate in theaters on January 26, after premiering at the Palm Springs International Film Festival earlier this year.