Jennifer Lawrence opens up about an aspect of filmmaking that often makes actors uncomfortable, and her perspective is refreshingly frank.
During a live recording of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Oscar winner explained why filming intimate scenes with someone she doesn’t know can be easier than doing the same with a close friend.
Lawrence explained that it’s “better” to perform in close-up scenes with strangers, largely because it eliminates the emotional awkwardness.
She highlighted her experience working with Robert Pattinson on Die my lovecompared to kissing longtime friend and Hunger Games co-star Josh Hutcherson in the franchise’s later films.
The difference, she said, was striking.
“It was actually easier that way because Rob and I didn’t know each other, which is kind of better, you know?” said Laurent.
“As in hunger gamesme and Josh Hutcherson should kiss and it’s like…Imagine that. You know, it’s weirder and so yes, doing it with a stranger is preferable.
Lawrence and Pattinson filmed a scene together on their very first day of filming Die my lovea psychodrama directed by Lynne Ramsay that focuses on a new mother struggling with psychosis.
Despite the vulnerability of the scene, Lawrence said the dynamic between her and Pattinson made the experience more comfortable.
Although the production employed an intimacy coordinator, Lawrence has previously said she didn’t really feel the need for one during filming.
Speaking on the Bodybuilders podcast, she emphasized how safe she felt with Pattinson on set.
“We didn’t have [an intimacy coordinator]or maybe we did, but we didn’t really…I felt really safe with Rob,” she said.
She went on to praise his professionalism, noting: “He is not perverted and very much in love with [partner] Suki Waterhouse.
According to Lawrence, their conversations were mostly about daily life, including their children and relationships, which helped keep boundaries clear.
“There was never any awkwardness like, ‘Does he think I like him?'” she added, explaining that such discomfort is often what makes intimacy coordinators essential.
Lawrence’s comments offer an honest look at how trust, context, and emotional distance can shape an actor’s comfort level on set, especially during some of the most vulnerable moments on camera.
