Showrunner Ron Nyswaner, the mastermind behind the upcoming series “Fellow Travelers,” recently unveiled his unique approach to filming intimate scenes involving Matt Bomer as Hawkins Fuller and Jonathan Bailey as Tim Laughlin. In a fashion reminiscent of the infamous Fight Club, Nyswaner introduced two distinct rules, adding layers of complexity to choreographed passion and maintaining on-set intimacy coordinators.
Nyswaner’s first rule draws from the wisdom of queer poet Oscar Wilde, stating that “Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about power.” This rule underscores the dynamic power plays embedded within intimate encounters, emphasizing the narrative’s exploration of the intricate link between sex and power in LGBTQ relationships.
The second rule set by Nyswaner was equally unconventional – no repetition of the same sexual act or combination. As Nyswaner and his co-writers crafted the series, they constantly challenged themselves with the question, “What haven’t we done?” This commitment to diversity in intimate encounters promises a fresh and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ relationships on screen.
A Director’s Vision
Executive producer Daniel Minahan also weighed in, shedding light on his direction of the series’ first episode and its impact on the overarching tone. Minahan aimed to convey the transformative experience of Tim, a character portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, who navigates newfound sexual terrain with Hawkins Fuller. This encounter leaves an indelible mark on Tim, becoming a point of obsession. However, the core tension of the narrative lies in deciphering whether Hawkins’ attachment to Tim is driven by the power he holds over him or genuine love.
Tim’s life and sexuality are depicted as compartmentalized, a stark contrast to the fluidity of his emotions and desires. Minahan expertly portrays the complexities of LGBTQ relationships, where intimacy intertwines with questions of power, love, and identity.
As “Fellow Travelers” gears up for its premiere on October 27 on Showtime, audiences can anticipate explosive and thought-provoking depictions of LGBTQ intimacy, driven by a commitment to authenticity and an exploration of the multifaceted dynamics at play in such relationships.
