Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is starring in a revival of the play Equus in London’s West End. His character, Alan Stang, “is involved in a lengthy nude sex scene.”
I am of two minds here. On the one hand, I think it’s very brave and admirable of a kid that young to tackle such a difficult role. On the other hand… :eek:
Some parents-as-critics have objected, some going so far as to say they will not allow their children to see any further Harry Potter movies. Others have lauded the actor for this break from the child-actor mold.
Linkie is nominally work-safe. Radcliffe is shown nude, but the photo cuts off just before any naughty bits. (I do not know how to make a double-click link, so if a mod wishes to alter that so it’s risk-free, please do.)
I guess I just don’t really have a problem with it.
And man, he grew up kind of - hot. While I don’t have a problem with it, I think I am possibly a little too old - 31 - to drool over him the way I’m tempted to in that shot.
Not every instance of someone appearing nude under the age of 18 is illegal in the US. A classic and recent example is Thora Birch baring her breasts in American Beauty at only 17, same age as Radcliffe, and that was in a movie, not just on stage. I wouldn’t be surprised in laws for stage nudity are different as well.
He looks old enough to me, and I don’t swing that way.
Seriously though, I understand that adolescents can be vulnerable to manipulation by older adults, and don’t always understand long term consequences so society should place some constraints on sexual ACTIVITY. But WHAT THE FUCK does that have to do with art, I continue to not get it.
Most of the demographic that would be offended by the play are probably anti-Harry Potter anyway because of it’s friendly portrayal of witchcraft. When it comes down to it, and the kids are pitching a holy fit, they’ll let them see the new movies.
This was a good role for Radcliffe to take. This is a great way to remind people that he and Harry Potter are getting older and ready to come of age. It’s absolutely perfect timing. I support him 100% (though I’m still a bigger fan of Ron/Rupert).
Since the movies are no longer kid’s movies, if the children are young enough to need their parent’s permission to see a PG-13 rated movie, they are better off staying home (though it’s too bad they have to live with such illogical parents).
Why would anyone feel guilty about looking at the pictures? There’s no nudity in either one (shirtless, yes, but the pictures cut off at the waist).
Interesting article. Jenny Agutter appeared nude in the 1977 film version? I may have to add that to my Netflix queue! Plus, according to IMDB, she was 18 in the film Walkabout. Now I don’t feel like such a pervert!
I can certainly see people being a little uncomfortable with it – “He’s only 17!” – but he’s not six, for heaven’s sake. But I completely don’t understand the mentality that because he’s nakie in Equss the kiddies can’t go see the next Harry Potter. One has eff-all to do with the others, and the kids won’t even know about “Harry’s” nakedness if Mom and Dad don’t tell them. I agree with hajario that those sorts of hysterics probably will find another reason to boycott HP, if not this one.
Personally, I’ve always found the nudity of Equus to be . . . well, not gratuitous, but not strictly necessary. You could do a dressed Equus with no problem, but that would kill the whole “It’s Equus! It’s edgy! They’re naked!” angle. Frankly, nudity is so much less of a big deal today that I see casting “young famous 17 year old” as an attempt to put that edginess back in – and a pretty ham-handed attempt, if you ask me. But if Daniel Radcliffe (and his parents) are okay with the full monty, then it’s none o’ my business.
Jenny Agutter’s never been hotter than in Equus, but it’s a long shot with a red filter, so as revealing as it is, it’s not nearly revealing enough. Oh, yeah, Richard Burton’s pretty good, too (though not naked).
Yeah, good question - though from the news item linked, it seems people are objecting 1.) to the fact of this actor in this role and 2.) that the theatre/director/whoever is specifying no minimum age requirement to see the play.
Oh, yeah, Richard Burton’s pretty good, too (though not naked).