Renowned for her down-to-earth persona and approachable acting style, Jennifer Lawrence effortlessly takes on diverse and demanding roles. While it's expected that as an actress she embraces every role professionally, certain scenes prove more challenging for Lawrence. Among these was an intimate scene that stirred a sense of guilt during her collaboration with her married co-star, Chris Pratt.
Their joint performance in the 2016 science fiction romance "Passengers" sees Pratt's character roused prematurely from a state of suspended animation on a 120-year voyage to a distant planet. The unfolding plot charts the blossoming love between Pratt's character, Jim, and Lawrence's character, Aurora, as they navigate a malfunctioning spaceship that endangers the slumbering passengers. Amidst this narrative, a particularly steamy scene emerged—one that left JLaw feeling distinctly unsettled throughout its conception, execution, and aftermath.
During a candid roundtable discussion for The Hollywood Reporter in 2015, Lawrence delved into the scene's dynamics, revealing it as her inaugural genuine romantic encounter on screen. She confided her apprehension about sharing an intimate moment with a married co-star, given that Chris Pratt was wed to actress Anna Faris at the time.
Reflecting on the experience, Lawrence remarked, "I recently had my first true love scene, and it was utterly surreal. A bewildering experience, though nothing was amiss; all actions aligned correctly. Simply an uncanny encounter." Coping with the unease that engulfed her, she admitted, "I sought solace in an abundance of alcohol. Yet paradoxically, this led to heightened anxiety upon returning home—doubts and uncertainties enveloped me."
Jennifer Lawrence's Guilt Over an Intimate Encounter with a Married Co-Star
In a separate dialogue with Seth Meyers, the Oscar-winning actress laid bare her paranoia regarding potential misinterpretations. "S*x scenes leave you in a quandary—wondering if it suffices or veers into excess," she quipped. Lawrence went on to underscore the discomfort surrounding pre-scene discussions: "Taboos shroud any form of dialogue, magnifying the disquiet." To navigate her way, she found solace in a glass of wine, allowing the situation to gradually assimilate.
Amidst a promotional engagement, as per Vanity Fair, co-star Chris Pratt underscored his commitment to Lawrence's comfort. "She sought a glass of wine, and so we indulged—a reassuring gesture," Pratt shared. Notwithstanding, Lawrence's first foray into an intimate scene retained its disconcerting air.
Jennifer Lawrence's Inner Turmoil Transcends Her Romantic Scene with Chris Pratt
Even post-filming, Jennifer Lawrence grappled with self-consciousness and dissatisfaction. She poignantly expressed, "Guilt gnaws at your core, a gut-wrenching sensation. I recognized my role, yet my gut failed to align." Seeking solace in a time of vulnerability, she turned to a familial source for solace and affirmation. "I dialed my mother, imploring her assurance. A moment of stark vulnerability—uncertainty loomed. The peak of my vulnerability," Lawrence recounted.
Ultimately, the fruits of her labor proved triumphant, as "Passengers" amassed a staggering $300 million globally, marking one of 2016's most financially successful original films. Critics, however, cast a critical eye on the film, yielding a meager 30% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus crystallized in the sentiment that "'Passengers' celebrates the chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence—yet this synergy remains inadequate to surmount a fundamentally flawed narrative."
