Intimacy (2001)
Patrice Chéreau's raw and unflinching portrait of desire, loneliness, and the dangerous consequences of wanting to know too much.
Intimacy - Movie Information
- Original Title: Intimacy
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Patrice Chéreau
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 27, 2001 (France - 18), July 14, 2001 (United Kingdom - 18), October 31, 2003 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 亲密 (CN), インティマシー 親密 (JP), Intimidad (ES), Intimité (FR)
- Production Companies: Téléma Productions, StudioCanal, ARTE France Cinéma, France 2 Cinéma, WDR/Arte, Mikado Film, Azor Films
- Production Countries: France, Germany, Italy
Intimacy - Plot
Failed musician Jay abandoned his family and now earns a living as head bartender in a trendy London pub. Every Wednesday afternoon, a woman comes to his house for graphic, almost wordless, sex. One day, Jay follows her and learns about her. This eventually disrupts their relationship.
Intimacy - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Patrice Chéreau's award-winning drama:
Every Wednesday. She meets him once per week.
Where to Watch Intimacy
Looking for where to watch Intimacy?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Intimacy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Patrice Chéreau
Main Cast
- Mark Rylance
- Kerry Fox
- Susannah Harker
- Alastair Galbraith
- Philippe Calvario
- Timothy Spall
- Marianne Faithfull
- Fraser Ayres
- Michael Fitzgerald
- Robert Addie
Writers
- Patrice Chéreau
- Anne-Louise Trividic
Producers
- Patrick Cassavetti
- Jacques Hinstin
- Charles Gassot
Intimacy - FAQs
Where can you stream Intimacy (2001)?
Intimacy (2001) is available to stream on Shout! Factory TV with ads and on Kanopy for free. Kanopy is accessible through many public libraries and universities. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch is recommended for the most current streaming options.
Did Kerry Fox's performance cause controversy in Intimacy?
Yes. Kerry Fox's performance generated significant controversy due to scenes of unsimulated sexual activity, which were unprecedented for a mainstream European art film at the time. Despite the controversy, Fox won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the 2001 Berlin International Film Festival for her role.
Is Intimacy based on a true story or a book?
Intimacy is adapted from two short stories by British author Hanif Kureishi: the novella Intimacy and the short story Night Light. Kureishi's semi-autobiographical writing explores desire, alienation, and emotional disconnection. The film is not based on a true story but draws on deeply personal literary source material.
Who are the main actors in Intimacy?
The film stars Mark Rylance as Jay, a failed musician, and Kerry Fox as Claire, the mysterious woman who visits him weekly. The supporting cast includes Timothy Spall as Andy (Claire's husband), Marianne Faithfull as Betty, Susannah Harker as Susan, and Alastair Galbraith as Victor.
What is Intimacy (2001) about?
Intimacy follows Jay, a failed musician living alone in London after abandoning his family, who engages in anonymous weekly sexual encounters with an unnamed woman. When he begins following her and learning about her real life, the purely physical arrangement grows complicated, forcing both characters to confront what they truly want.
Did Intimacy win any major awards?
Yes. Intimacy won the Golden Bear (Grand Prix) at the 2001 Berlin International Film Festival, the most prestigious prize at that festival. Kerry Fox also received the Silver Bear for Best Actress. The film's Berlin triumph established it as a landmark of European art cinema despite its controversial content.
What is the age rating for Intimacy?
Intimacy is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. In several other countries it carries an 18 certificate, including France, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, reflecting its explicit sexual content and mature themes. The film is intended strictly for adult audiences.
How long is the film Intimacy (2001)?
Intimacy has a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes (119 minutes). Directed by Patrice Chéreau, the film uses its measured pace to build psychological tension and emotional depth between the two central characters across their recurring anonymous encounters.
More About Intimacy
Explore further details about Intimacy on these authoritative film databases: