Laura Dern has expressed her admiration for her Lonely Planet co-star Liam Hemsworth, referring to him as “the safest person” to film a sex scene with. The two actors star in the newly released romance movie, Lonely Planet, which became available on Netflix on October 11.
The plot of the movie revolves around a newly single author, portrayed by Dern, who embarks on a writer’s retreat in Morocco. Hemsworth’s character accompanies his author girlfriend on the retreat and the two end up becoming lovers. In a recent interview with People, Dern, 57, shared insights about filming intimate scenes with the 34-year-old Hunger Games star.
Dern mentioned the presence of an intimacy coordinator on set to facilitate the filming process and ensure the comfort of both actors. She praised Hemsworth, describing him as “literally the safest person I could ever talk through everything in my life with.” The actress highlighted the open communication and strong professional rapport they shared during the filming, emphasising the importance of support and discussions.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of film and filmmaking, Dern touched upon the significance of actors feeling empowered to voice their boundaries comfortably without fear of repercussions. She and Hemsworth, as seasoned actors, appreciated the positive shift towards creating a safe and respectful working environment on set.
Beyond her current project, Dern has also been revisiting pivotal moments in her career, including her breakout role as Sandy in the 1986 film Blue Velvet. In a podcast interview hosted by Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson, she revealed the sacrifices she made for her art, such as dropping out of college at 17 to pursue her acting opportunities.
Dern recounted a poignant anecdote where she recalled how a department head at UCLA denied her request for a leave of absence to work on Blue Velvet, dismissing the film’s potential success. Despite the initial setback, Dern persevered and went on to establish a remarkable career in the film industry, starring in iconic movies like Jurassic Park.
As Dern continues to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility on screen, her collaboration with Hemsworth in Lonely Planet stands as a testament to the importance of trust, communication, and respect in the art of filmmaking.