The New York Times Magazine’s 2014 edition of its annual short film series is definitely unique, highlighting different ways that movie stars can kiss on celluloid. Eighteen stars from this year’s most talked-about movies share some unexpected kisses.
The series is called 9 Kisses and was directed by Elaine Constantine with cinematography from Steven Fierberg. Highlights include a masked Benedict Cumberbatch sweeping Reese Witherspoon off her feet and Laura Dern and Steve Carell getting awkward before their passion explodes.
Kristen Stewart runs up to Chadwick Boseman on a stage to kiss him, while Patricia Arquette surprises Jason Schwartzman when he returns her hat. David Oyelowo and Timothy Spall kiss during arm wrestling while Rosario Dawson and Jenny Slate get really passionate.
Shailene Woodley and Jack O’Connell kiss while training for boxing. Julianne Moore and John Lithgow kiss and dance. Lastly, Miles Teller and Gugu Mbatha-Raw run from their wedding for a private moment.
The series of videos is accompanied by an essay by A.O. Scott on the history of kissing in the movies. Kisses have been an important part of film history. After all, one of Thomas Edison’s shorts in 1896 featured a kiss.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com