FAQ

The producers elected to follow pay-cable conventions in which female and male frontal nudity is allowed, but not nudity directly related to sexual penetration (such as male arousal). Additionally, some blurring was necessary to disguise the fact that all sex was simulated.

Almost certainly no, there will never be an R-rated version of Lucky Bastard. The film features a number of sex scenes that in a pornographic context (i.e. producing pornography) constitute grounds for the NC-17 rating -- for example sexual thrusting and skin-and-skin contact. For this reason, not only shots but entire scenes would have to be deleted in an effort to obtain an R rating, and the result would be incomprehensible. (Due to the low budget and quick shooting schedule, no "safety" takes or angles were shot without the offending sex.)

While some artistic films (such as Shortbus) have featured actual penetrative sex, the filmmakers did not believe it necessary or relevant to the story to feature genuine sex acts -- and certainly did not want to ask that of their performers.

The filmmakers believe the NC-17 rating is appropriate and that the film should not be shown to minors. They voluntarily submitted the film to the MPAA in order to legitimize their artistic intentions and act in a socially responsible way towards parents and audiences.