Reel Corner - March 2025

March 2025 Issue
Reel Corner by Donne Paine

The Fine Line:
Balancing Storytelling and
Explicit Sexual Content in Films

THE BRUTALIST
Starring: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce,
Directed By: Brady Corbet

The Brutalist is an ambitious film that stretches over three hours, (thank goodness for the 15-minute intermission). As a viewer drawn in by the Academy Award nominations for best movie, I had high hopes for this exploration of a successful Budapest architect who arrives in America in the mid-40s and struggles with unexpected antisemitism in the United States. But I was sadly disappointed.

Adrian Brody delivers a compelling performance as László Tóth, as does Guy Pearce, the Philadelphia millionaire who becomes Tóth’s primary sponsor. Both actors deserve commendation for their strong performances which elevate the film despite its shortcomings.


While I initially believed the film was based on a true story, I was disappointed to discover that it is fictionalized. This creative choice led to some questionable plot developments, particularly Tóth’s heroin addiction and explicit sexual content. These elements felt gratuitous and detracted from the core message of the film, overshadowing the architect’s struggle with antisemitism and his journey as an immigrant.



Ultimately, The Brutalist presents a fascinating premise but falters in execution. The film’s length, coupled with its heavy-handed themes and unnecessary drug and sexual subplots, left me wanting more coherence and focus. I rate it 3 out of 5, with high marks for the performances of Brody and Pearce.

Sex in Films
Sensuality vs. Sensationalism

The Reel Corner’s perspective on the portrayal of sex scenes in Oscar-nominated films this year raises important questions about authenticity, artistic intent, and viewer sensitivity. Many directors aim for authenticity in their portrayals of intimacy, believing that explicit scenes can convey raw emotion and connection. However, this approach can backfire if the explicitness overshadows the intimacy or if it feels gratuitous.


There are ways to depict love and passion without resorting to explicit visuals. Subtlety can often evoke a stronger emotional response. Classic films often relied on the power of suggestion, leaving much to the imagination, which can sometimes be more effective and erotic than explicit content.


The introduction of “intimacy coordinators” in film and television has been a positive step toward ensuring actors feel safe and respected during intimate scenes. They help choreograph these moments and ensure consent among all parties involved.

But what about protection for the audience? We do have the MPAA film rating system in the U.S., but perhaps it needs to go a little further and be more detailed. This could include categories like simulated sex, full nudity, or intimate but non-explicit scenes. The Reel Corner often feels directors are getting their cues for sex scenes from porn sites.

There is power in public opinion.

In an age of customer reviews, we might be ready for a “Yelp” review system for film directors.

Sources: www.imdb.com; www.nyt.com

Donne Paine, film enthusiast, once lived around the corner from the Orson Wells Theater in Cambridge, Massachu-setts, where her strong interest in films, especially independent ones, began. Supporter of the arts, especially films, she has traveled to local and national film festivals including Sundance, Toronto and Tribeca. There is nothing like seeing a film on the big screen. She encourages film goers to support Hilton Head local theaters, Park Plaza Theater and Northridge. To support her habit of frequent movie going, Donne is a vaccine medicine nurse consultant and also the author of 4 Interview Pillars available on Amazon. See you at the movies!