Dickinson Reflects on Filming Sex Scenes: "It Was Weird, But Also Kind of Fun"
Remember those steamy scenes in "Dickinson"? Yeah, the ones that had everyone talking about how bold the show was? Turns out, even the actress who brought the iconic poet to life had a few interesting thoughts on filming them.
In a recent interview, Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Emily Dickinson in the Apple TV+ series, opened up about the experience of shooting the more intimate moments. She explained that it definitely wasn't your average TV set experience. "It was a bit strange at first," she said, "because we were all trying to be as respectful and comfortable as possible. But once we got into it, it actually felt kind of empowering."
Steinfeld went on to say that the director, Alena Smith, created a safe and collaborative environment for everyone involved. "Alena was amazing," she shared. "She really listened to our concerns and made sure we felt heard and respected." The actress also emphasized that she and her co-star, Anna Baryshnikov, who plays Sue Gilbert, put a lot of thought into how they wanted to portray the intimacy between their characters.
While the show certainly pushed boundaries, Steinfeld stressed that the goal was never to shock or titillate. "We wanted to be true to the story and show the complexity of Emily's relationships," she explained. "And I think we were able to do that in a way that was both honest and artistic."
For those who might be wondering, Steinfeld wasn't too fazed by all the talk about the sex scenes. "I mean, it's a TV show," she said with a laugh. "We're actors, and we're here to tell stories. If that means doing a few scenes that make people talk, then so be it."
Ultimately, Steinfeld's perspective on the experience is refreshingly straightforward. She understands the curiosity surrounding the intimate moments but is more interested in celebrating the show's commitment to exploring complex themes and characters with a touch of humor and a lot of heart.