Margo Stilley reflects on bold choices in 9 songs despite public backlash

Actress Margo Stilley, known for her roles in “The Host” and “How to Lose Friends & Alienate People,” is standing her ground in defence of her decision to film real-life sex scenes for the controversial noughties movie “9 Songs.”

In 2004, Stilley starred alongside Kieran O’Brien in this explicit romantic drama that depicted intense sexual encounters between an American college student and an English scientist. The film considered one of the most explicit mainstream movies at the time, faced criticism for its real-life sex scenes and received a modest rating of 24 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite public backlash and derogatory comments directed at her, Stilley remains proud of her participation. In a 2008 interview with the Irish Examiner, she addressed the hostility she faced: “When I did press conferences, people would shout abuse at me.”

Stilley faced name-calling and negative labels but clarified, “People ask me if I felt that [director] Michael Winterbottom took advantage of me because I hadn’t acted before, but they forget that I developed the character.”

Defending the film’s explicit content, she emphasized that “9 Songs” was about love and sex, not pornography. “It wasn’t porn,” Stilley asserted. “I mean, I had sex with my boyfriend last night, and that wasn’t porn. It was just hot sex! ‘9 Songs’ was a real film about love and sex, and I wanted to do that film, and I am proud of it.”

Despite the controversy and attention garnered by “9 Songs,” Stilley believes it hasn’t typecast her in subsequent roles. “I honestly can say it hasn’t affected my career,” she stated. “I don’t get seen only for roles as women who have sex a lot.”

Before venturing into acting, Stilley pursued a career in modelling, starting in Milan and later moving to London. Her connection to a casting department through a modelling advertisement ultimately led her to the starring role of Lisa in “9 Songs.”

In retrospect, Stilley maintains her pride in the film and her ability to navigate a career beyond the controversial project.