For years, the public has been curious about the authenticity of the notorious intimate moment shared between Hollywood icons Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland in the 1973 movie “Don’t Look Now.”
At the recent New York premiere of his latest film “The Leisure Seeker,” 82-year-old Sutherland decided to address the lingering speculation that has surrounded the scene for decades.
Dismissing the ongoing rumors, the Canadian actor bluntly expressed his thoughts to the attending journalists.
He emphasized the technical aspects of filming, stating, “They’re idiots.
There were two cameramen in there.
The takes were 15 seconds long, maximum.
‘All right, Julie, hold your head, OK, turn your head a little to the side …’”
Sutherland, father of actor Kiefer Sutherland, also shared his personal sentiment towards the scene, appreciating it as a portrayal that evoked the essence of love.
“Don’t Look Now” is an erotic thriller narrating the journey of a couple (Sutherland and Christie) coping with the loss of their daughter by traveling to Venice.
The movie remains notable for its controversial intimacy sequence that pushed boundaries during its time.
Julie Christie, now 77, reflected on her experience during the filming of the scene in a documentary on director Nicolas Roeg back in 2015, describing it as a delightful and genuine moment.
The British actress elaborated on the nuanced details captured on screen, highlighting the rawness and tenderness depicted in the scene that transcended mere physicality.
Contrary to the positive recollections shared by Christie and Sutherland, there were claims made by former movie executive Peter Bart in his book “Infamous Players” published in 2011.
Bart alleged that the on-screen chemistry between Sutherland and Christie was more than just acting, insinuating real intimacy during filming.
Donald Sutherland vehemently refuted Bart’s assertions, emphasizing that only a select few individuals were present during the filming, discrediting any suggestions of inappropriate conduct.
Producer Peter Katz supported Sutherland’s stance, clarifying that while a sensual scene was filmed, it did not entail the explicit nature implied by Bart.
Katz acknowledged that alterations were made to different versions of the film to comply with varying censorship standards.
In essence, the controversy surrounding the intimate scene in “Don’t Look Now” continues to be a subject of fascination and debate within the realm of cinema history, perpetuating interest and intrigue among audiences and industry insiders alike.
