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Sex is one of the most taboo subjects in American society, even more taboo than that game and that Boy George musical. For the first several decades that film existed as an artistic medium, any realistic depiction of sex was strictly forbidden outside of pornography. But over the last couple of decades filmmakers have had more freedom to show sex in their film. Yes, some have taken this liberty and used it for the sake of sensationalism, to show breasts and vaginas for no other purpose beyond titillation, but several artists have filmed sex scenes, simulated and otherwise, to enhance their films, exploring humanity through the way we have sex, make love, or fuck. Those are the films I want to talk about in The Insert Shot.

2011 was a great year for sex on film. Even beyond the high-profile NC-17 release (which is itself quite a rarity) several films explored their characters' sexuality. Sex between straight couples, gay couples, lesbian couples, married people (not necessarily with their spouse), lovers and strangers, all of this and more could be seen in 2011 theatrical releases. As a result, picking a list of the best sex scenes of the year was quite difficult, and I had to include quite a few honorable mentions.

It's important to note that this is not a list of the “sexiest” sex scenes, but the best. “Sexiest” is purely subjective, and I only find one of the five scenes (technically six; I cheated) listed here actually sexy. But all of the scenes I mentioned are memorable, powerful scenes that enhance the resonance of their films and either help deliver the film's message or explore the characters' emotional development. Because I couldn't figure out how to rank these scenes - as different as they are - I decided to list the films in order of happiest to most depressing. For a year with sex scenes as diverse and emotional as those in 2011, I thought that was the most appropriate way to do it, and of course, when it comes to sex, the goal is always to be appropriate.

Weekend - Russell and Glen have sex for the second and third time

Okay, having rewatched this film, I really can't pick one of these scenes to be on this list and snub the other. This beautiful, sweet, touching indie film features the best onscreen sex since John Cameron Mitchell's Shortbus. Whether you're gay or straight should have nothing to do with it; these two scenes are about two people who are passionately in lust exploring each other's bodies and all of the joy that comes with the first time you have sex with someone you care about.

The film opens the morning after Russell and Glen's first meeting, so we don't see their first encounter, although from their descriptions of it it is drunk and awkward. As their weekend continues, their relationship develops, and it is through the two sex scenes that we see the manifestation of them growing closer. I hate to use the word graphic, because it implies a pornographic quality, so I'll say that the scenes are candid in their depiction of two men exploring each other's bodies. The first scene is still rather awkward, but there is so much passion behind it that it is still mesmerizing. In particular, I'd make note of the moment when Glen - who is not usually this quick to jump into bed with somebody - bursts into laughter. It is an unexpected but sweet and honest moment.

The second sex scene that we see - their third time having sex overall - brings with it more complications. Tension begins to develop between them, as this weekend is effectively a pressure cooker for them, speeding up the development of their relationship. This sex scene is them trying to set things right, apologize, let the other know that although they had just finished fighting, their passion for each other can trump any petty squabble. There is so much about this relationship-study that is moving and memorable, but Weekend's honesty in its depiction of a sexual relationship is part of what makes it so great.

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