Movies are usually smoke and mirrors. You see a "steamy" moment and assume it’s a carefully choreographed dance of body stockings, tape, and clever camera angles. But then there’s the Aubrey Plaza masturbation scene from the 2013 comedy The To Do List. It’s a moment that has lived on in internet infamy, not just because it’s funny, but because the behind-the-scenes reality was way more intense than anyone expected.
Honestly, it’s one of those stories that makes you realize how wild film sets can be. Aubrey Plaza, who everyone knows as the deadpan queen of Parks and Recreation, found herself in a situation that was basically a nightmare for anyone with a sense of personal space.
The "Nerve-Racking" Reality of The To Do List
So, here’s the setup. Aubrey plays Brandy Klark, a Type-A valedictorian who decides she needs to check off every sexual milestone on a literal "to-do list" before heading to college. It’s a raunchy, gender-flipped take on the classic coming-of-age flick.
When it came time to film the self-pleasure scene, Plaza had a specific vision in her head. She thought it’d be "artistic." You know, the classic shot where the hand just slowly slips out of frame and the audience fills in the blanks?
Wrong.
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She walked onto the set and saw a camera mounted directly to the ceiling. No creative cutaways. No "less is more" approach. It was a full-body shot. Aubrey was wearing a Bill Clinton T-shirt and underwear. And in her memory—which she’s joked about on Conan—there were just a bunch of old crew guys standing around.
She asked the director, Maggie Carey, for some guidance on how to handle it. The response she got was pretty blunt: "Masturbate, like it says in the script."
Why This Scene Broke the Rules
Standard Hollywood protocol usually involves "modesty garments" or at least a closed set. This was different. Plaza has admitted that she actually had to go for it. She described it as the most "nerve-racking" part of the whole movie.
Most actors simulate. They move around, breathe heavy, and hope the editor makes it look real. But because the camera was staring straight down from the ceiling, there was nowhere to hide. Plaza just had to commit.
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It’s gutsy. Maggie Carey later praised her for being "brave" and "game for everything." But looking back, especially in a post-2020 world, the story hits a bit different.
The Shift in Industry Standards
If that scene were filmed today, things would look very different.
- Intimacy Coordinators: This is a standard role now. They act as a bridge between the director and the actor to make sure boundaries are set in stone before the camera rolls.
- Closed Sets: Only essential personnel (usually just the director and camera op) are allowed in the room for intimate scenes.
- Contractual Specifics: Actors now have very detailed riders about exactly what will be shown.
Back in 2013, Aubrey sort of just had to dive into the deep end. She handled it with her usual "I don't give a damn" attitude, but she's been open about how awkward it actually was.
The Cultural Impact
Why do we still talk about this? Because female pleasure is rarely the punchline of a comedy in a way that isn't demeaning. The To Do List was written and directed by a woman, and it treated Brandy’s sexual journey like a project. It wasn't about "finding love" or being "sexy" for a guy. It was about Brandy checking off boxes.
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Plaza’s performance is what makes it work. If she had played it too "cool," it wouldn't have been funny. Instead, she played it with this intense, awkward earnestness that made the Aubrey Plaza masturbation scene feel real—even if the filming process was a bit of a shock to her system.
Actionable Takeaways for Film Fans
If you're interested in the evolution of how these scenes are handled, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Watch the Interviews: Check out Aubrey’s 2013 appearance on Conan. It’s where she first told the "old men smoking" story (though she later clarified the smoking part was a bit of hyperbole for comedic effect).
- Research Intimacy Coordination: If you're a film student or just a buff, look into the work of people like Alicia Rodis. It changes how you view "awkward" movie moments.
- Context Matters: The To Do List is a specific time capsule of early 2010s comedy. It pushed boundaries that paved the way for shows like Fleabag or Broad City.
The reality of the scene is a mix of high-stakes acting and the weird, unglamorous nature of independent filmmaking. Aubrey Plaza didn't just play the part; she lived through one of the most awkward days in cinematic history to make sure the comedy landed. It’s a testament to her dedication, even if she’d probably prefer not to do it again with a camera on the ceiling.