The Problem of Sex in the Movies

Joe Carter has a very interesting post here called "Initmation vs. Exhibition:
Sex, Cinema, and the the Problem of Perspective". He says:

Since sex is intended to be seen from a first-person perspective, viewing the act from the third-person causes it to lose its power and inherent connection. Sex was designed to be performed rather than observed which is why the most capable artist is unable to overcome the natural limits of perspective.

By combining these two concepts (visual iconography and perspective) we can begin to understand why sexual imagery is inherently ineffective in film. Since sex doesn't elicit a particular emotional response from which we can identify (in the way that images of violence, for instance, can stir up feelings of empathy) we are forced to imagine ourselves in such a situation before we can properly identify with it. But the combination of a specific visual image (the actors) and the third-person perspective keeps us from forming the emotional connection necessary to fully appreciate what is being conveyed.

Ironically, the prudishness of the early era of motion pictures helped to ameliorate this disadvantage. Since the decency standards required sexual acts to be hinted at rather than expressed openly, the viewer was better able to put themselves in the place of the film's characters. The audience had to "fill in the details" in the same way that would be required in less visual forms of art, such as literature. Though the connection was made on the subconscious level, it was still drawn from a first-person perspective allowing the viewer to gain a deeper emotional appreciation and connection with the characters.

Portraying sexual relations is necessary in film because sex is a part of our world and a primary aspect of life. Some of the greatest works of literature (including the Bible) have sex as an important theme. It would therefore be unduly limiting to exclude such motifs from film. For the medium to rise to the level of great art, however, it must learn how to portray sexual relations in a way that is both realistic and relatable. Doing so will require filmmakers to understand how to present sexual imagery in a way that conveys representation rather than just titillation. In order to move forward with their art they would do well to look to the formula from the format's past: more intimation, less exhibition.

Read the whole post, it's really intriguing.