An actress has spoken out in defense of filming real-life intimate scenes in what is considered the “most explicit movie ever.”
Margo Stilley addressed her choice to take on the controversial role, which continues to spark debate about her career.
The film became infamous for its raw, unsimulated intimate scenes, including one where the male lead is shown engaging in explicit acts on screen.
The actress has defended filming real life s** scenes in the controversial movie. Credit: Revolution Films
Released in 2004, the film follows a British scientist, played by Kieran O’Brien, and his passionate, sexually intense relationship with an American exchange student, portrayed by Stilley.
The movie faced significant backlash, with both audiences and critics offering harsh reviews, and it earned a meager 24 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Still, Stilley remains firm in her choice to appear in the provocative film.
In a 2008 interview with the Irish Examiner, Stilley reflected on the intense backlash she encountered.
The actress shared, “People were really angry,” and mentioned that some even called her derogatory names like “a w*e” and “a st” during press events.
When asked how she could agree to such explicit scenes, she responded, “I didn’t invent s**! There’s a huge s** industry out there that’s worth billions.”
Actress Margo Stilley has spoken out about her decision to take on a controversial role in the film. Credit: Revolution Films
Responding to concerns about whether director Michael Winterbottom took advantage of her as a first-time actress, Stilley highlighted her active role in creating the character.
“People ask me if I felt that [director] Michael Winterbottom took advantage of me because I hadn’t acted before, but they forget that I developed the character,” she clarified.
The actress also expressed genuine surprise at the intense reactions the film stirred, especially regarding her portrayal.
“I was honestly taken aback by the reaction to the film – particularly to my portrayal, as I’m nothing like my character, Lisa,” she explained.
Stilley emphasized that the film wasn’t meant to be explicit but was a deep dive into love and closeness.
The actress also rejected the notion that the film had harmed her career, adding: “I’m not only viewed for playing women who engage in s** often.”
9 Songs remains Margo Stilley’s most debated work. Credit: Revolution Films
After starring in 9 Songs, one of the most explicit films in mainstream cinema, Stilley went on to appear in How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, alongside Simon Pegg.
She also collaborated with Cillian Murphy and Sienna Miller in Hippie Hippie Shake.
Before embarking on her acting career, she worked as a model and moved to Italy after finishing college.
Eventually, she relocated to London, where she secured the role in 9 Songs after being introduced to the casting team through an Israeli advertisement.
Watch the trailer for 9 Songs below…
