Hollywood veteran Gwyneth Paltrow recently revealed that she felt “stifled” by an intimacy coordinator while filming numerous intimate scenes with co-star Timothée Chalamet in the upcoming film Marty Supreme.
The 52-year-old actress opened up about her experience in an interview with Vanity Fair, sharing insights about her role in the highly anticipated movie, directed by Josh Safdie. The film, loosely based on the life of legendary table tennis champion Martin “Marty” Reisman, stars Chalamet, 29, in the titular role, with Paltrow portraying a woman caught in a complicated relationship with him.
Paltrow on Intimacy Coordination in Hollywood
Paltrow, a key figure in the #MeToo movement, acknowledged that she has been slow to adapt to the industry’s evolving standards regarding on-set intimacy. She specifically referenced the presence of an intimacy coordinator on Marty Supreme, a position that has become common practice in Hollywood to ensure actors’ comfort during explicit scenes.
“There’s now something called an intimacy coordinator, which I did not know existed,” Paltrow admitted. “When the coordinator on set asked if I was okay with a particular interaction, I was like, ‘Girl, I’m from the era where you get naked, you get in bed, and the camera’s on.’”
She continued, “We said, ‘I think we’re good. You can step a little bit back.’ I don’t know how it is for kids who are starting out, but if someone is like, ‘Okay, and then he’s going to put his hand here,’ I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that.”
A Role Unlike Any Other
Paltrow disclosed new details about her character in Marty Supreme, explaining that she plays the wife of a man involved in what she called the “Ping-Pong mafia.” Her character finds herself entangled with Chalamet’s Marty, resulting in what she described as a “transactional” relationship.
“They meet, and she’s had a pretty tough life. I think he breathes life back into her, but it’s kind of transactional for them both,” she explained. “There’s a lot—a lot—of sex in this movie.”
Paltrow Praises Chalamet’s Talent
Despite the challenges of filming intimate scenes, Paltrow spoke highly of Chalamet, calling him “a thinking man’s sex symbol.” The Call Me by Your Name star joins an impressive list of leading men Paltrow has worked with, including Brad Pitt, Jude Law, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr.
“He’s just a very polite, properly raised—I was going to say ‘kid.’ But he’s a man who takes his work really seriously and is a fun partner,” she said.
Paltrow’s Return to the Big Screen
Paltrow’s involvement in Marty Supreme marks a rare return to acting after years of focusing on her wellness and lifestyle brand, Goop. She last took on a major film role in 2010’s Country Strong and has since made only select appearances, including in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Netflix’s The Politician.
Star-Studded Cast and Christmas Release
Marty Supreme boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring musician Tyler, the Creator, The Nanny star Fran Drescher, and comedian Sandra Bernhard. The film, produced by A24, is set for a Christmas Day release, generating significant buzz in the film industry.
With its unique storyline, a celebrated director, and an all-star cast, Marty Supreme is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Fans eager to see Paltrow and Chalamet’s dynamic on screen won’t have to wait much longer.
