Aubrey Plaza described her experience filming a series of intimate scenes with Robert De Niro for the 2016 comedy film Dirty Grandpa, sharing how the process was more awkward than expected. The film, released in 2016, features De Niro as a recently widowed grandfather who embarks on a spring break trip, during which he pursues a younger woman, portrayed by Plaza. These moments generated a notable amount of behind-the-scenes tension and unexpected reactions.
Context of the Film and Characters Involved
In Dirty Grandpa, Robert De Niro plays Dick, a lecherous grandfather who convinces his grandson’s young, lustful friend, Lenore, played by Aubrey Plaza, to sleep with him during a wild spring break. The cast included other recognizable names, such as Zoey Deutch, Julianne Hough, and David Kelly. The movie’s risqué content called for several challenging intimate scenes between Plaza and De Niro.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges During Filming
While promoting the film, Plaza recounted her lengthy and uncomfortable sex scene shoots with De Niro. She revealed that the filming stretched over nearly 10 hours with guidance from both directors and intimacy coordinators, but much of their advice didn’t fully register with her at the time. Plaza shared a humorous anecdote about trying to interact with De Niro’s nipple area during a scene, only for him to clearly reject it.
I’d try to get in there and suck on his nipples,
Plaza laughed.
And he was like batting me away, and I didn’t know if it was in character or not.
She later learned from set staff that Robert De Niro was not comfortable with that kind of attention. Reflecting on this, she joked,
Great, now he thinks that I wanted to do that.
De Niro’s Reaction and On-Set Dynamics
Plaza also mentioned that her intense presence on set may have unsettled De Niro. She was informed by her agent that De Niro’s agent said the actor was actually scared of her because she was so upfront and physically close right before filming began.
I heard from my agent, who had spoken to his agent that he was legitimately scared of me. Every time I was around him, it was right before we started shooting, so I would be all over him, and I think I really freaked him out.
Reflecting on Their Relationship Off Camera
In 2022, Plaza reflected again on her experience working with De Niro during an interview with Variety, describing their connection as “weird.” She explained that his legendary reputation made it difficult to establish a casual rapport off screen. She noted that he would arrive on set suddenly without any informal conversations before acting.
I didn’t really have a relationship with him off camera because he’s him,
Plaza said.
I didn’t have time to get to know him, he shows up in a puff of smoke and there’s no chatting at the water cooler.
Plaza also emphasized how her character’s goal to seduce De Niro’s character could have been misunderstood due to her acting.
By the time he’d show up, I’m in character. My character had one goal: To have sex with him. I was acting totally insane as the character because we were about to shoot.
I don’t think he understood that wasn’t me. You’d think he would because he’s an actor and an amazing one.
Impact and Reflection on Intimate Scenes in Film
The candid insights from Aubrey Plaza highlight the complexities actors face while filming intimate scenes with high-profile co-stars like Robert De Niro. Her comments shed light on how professional boundaries, character portrayal, and personal reactions intertwine on set. Considering the reported discomfort and misunderstandings, the experience underscores the importance of clear communication and sensitivity during such shoots. As actors navigate these challenges, the role of intimacy coordinators and respectful collaboration remains critical in maintaining professionalism and ensuring performers’ comfort on screen.
