Tarantino Defends Lack Of Sex In His Movies

Acclaimed Hollywood writer-director Quentin Tarantino recently defended his decision to not include sex scenes in his movies. Making a splash in 1992 with his heist-gone-wrong thriller Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino became a household name after his Palme d’Or-winning follow-up Pulp Fiction took the world by storm. With a goal to only complete ten movies in his career, the legendary filmmaker has also produced Jackie Brown, Kill Bill, Death Proof, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Speaking with the Catalan Spanish newspaper Diari ARA (via Variety), Tarantino defended the lack of sex scenes in his films. The director explained sex has yet to be a part of his “vision” when making a movie. Referencing modern sentiment on the topic, Tarantino admitted he would have included sex if one of his films had a need for it. Read what he said below:

“It’s true, sex is not part of my vision of cinema. And the truth is that, in real life, it’s a pain to shoot sex scenes, everyone is very tense. And if it was already a bit problematic to do it before, now it is even more so. If there had ever been a sex scene that was essential to the story, I would have, but so far it hasn’t been necessary.”

Why Quentin Tarantino Movies Never Needed Sex

Tarantino has sported a long and successful career in Hollywood, carving out a piece of the industry for his unique cinematic style. Although sex never factored in his films due to their predominantly violent crime-driven plots, rich sensuality can be felt in place of the romantic act. Several of Tarantino’s films flirted with it through moments of deep emotional connections between two characters that may have culminated with sex in other films.

Although Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) and Max Cherry (Robert Forster) never have sex, their sexual tension is felt throughout the film. One of Tarantino’s most sensual moments featured in his biggest film, Pulp Fiction. When Vincent Vega (John Travolta) is tasked to take his crime boss’ wife Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) out on the town, the two take to the dance floor of a 50s-themed restaurant. Although Vincent and Mia never touch, their in-sync movements punctuated by the rhythm of the music exude a deep sexual desire between them.

Despite a sexless filmography, Tarantino has written several screenplays produced by others that included intercourse. His first major sale, True Romance, centered around a lonely comic book store clerk who falls in love with a prostitute after sleeping with her. Natural Born Killers included references to sex and sexual assault in a twisted Bonnie and Clyde tale. Based on the director’s recent comments, Tarantino‘s 10th and final film The Movie Critic will likely conclude his career without a proper sex scene.

Source: Diari ARA (via Variety)