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Sc. 32 INT BAXTER’S HOUSE DINING ROOM - DAY

Bella eats breakfast. She takes an apple, puts it between her legs, rolls it back and forth quickly. Feels more pleasure. Cums quickly. Sits, smiling. Mrs Prim enters with some eggs, puts them on the table. Serves her some eggs, sour faced. 

BELLA

Mrs Prim. Bella discover happy when she want.

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INT. SALTBURN - OLIVER'S BEDROOM - LATER 

Later that night, Oliver is in his pajamas, making his way to the bathroom when

OLIVER POV: Through the crack in the door, Felix is in the bath masturbating. Oliver watches. 

INT. SALTBURN - FELIX'S BATHROOM - LATER CLOSE UP: The bath. The plug swinging from the faucet. The bath water draining out of the plug hole. Oliver is brushing his teeth. 

Felix sticks his head round the door. He's in his pajamas- no idea that Oliver had been watching him. 

FELIX

All right. Night, mate! 

Felix leaves. Oliver waits a few moments, then places his toothbrush down. The final slurps of water gurgles down the plughole. Oliver gets into the bath, fully clothed, and slowly kneels. He licks the remaining water from the bottom of the bath.

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At CINTIMA, Masturbation May isn't just another cultural calendar item—it's a celebration of a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human. When you study to become an Intimacy Coordinator for Film and Television with CINTIMA, you not only learn the skills necessary to facilitate safe and thoughtful portrayals of intimacy, you also learn to advocate for self-care, sexual health, and wellness. 

Despite its significance, masturbation has often been stigmatized in public discourse and media representation, seen as shameful or problematic. When working with actors on intimate scenes involving masturbation or self pleasure, we approach these with a little extra sensitivity due to the weight of these societal taboos, and we acknowledge the historical significance of such representations in cinema.

Traditionally, depictions of masturbation in mainstream media have often centered around themes of embarrassment, shame, and secrecy. Rather than portraying it as a natural and healthy aspect of human sexuality, media representations have typically emphasized the taboo nature of self-pleasure. Scenes often revolve around characters trying desperately not to be caught in the act, or getting caught in the act, reinforcing the idea that masturbation is shameful, something to hide, contributing to a culture of silence and stigma surrounding self-pleasure. Many of us grow up with distorted views of our own sexuality, feeling ashamed or guilty about engaging in something so fundamental to our human sexuality.

However recently, a few films stand out with a variant on these traditional perspectives: 

Do you recognize the scenes above?

In Poor Things, Emma Stone’s Bella Baxter discovers the childlike joy of self pleasure without the adult filter of adult shame. Bella's simple declaration, "Happy when she want," is our universal desire for unhindered joy. Her discovery is an act of self-care, a deeper form of self-soothing  without the judgment of societal norms. If this isn’t self love, what is? It's Ms. Prim's response (fitting name right?) that casts the shadow of cultural disapproval.

Meanwhile, in "Saltburn," Jacob Elordi's, Felix, indulges in a moment of self pleasure within the privacy of his own bath. In this scene, the conventional narrative of shame surrounding self-pleasure is flipped on its head. Felix is minding his own business, having a moment with himself in the privacy of his own space. It’s Barry Keoghan's Oliver, watching fascinated through the cracked door who becomes the object of societal judgment. And then that slurping scene! Truly an amazing scene of intimacy in recent film. 

For many, masturbation is a pivotal element in their sexual self-discovery and identity formation. It empowers individuals to embrace their sexuality authentically, fostering a positive body image and boosting self-esteem. Additionally, it provides a sanctuary for emotional processing, fostering intimacy with oneself.

Masturbation May reminds us to embrace and celebrate human sexuality in all its forms. By fostering a positive dialogue, we can cultivate greater acceptance and understanding of this vital aspect of human experience. Let's honor the beauty and complexity of masturbation, recognizing it as an empowering, healing, and deeply human act.