[Maximum Jonah]

My view of nudity in film, is basically if it adheres to the plot or advances it, then sure, it can be added.

Case in point, is Kathy Bates' nude scene in "About Schmidt". Although, it may not be to all people's cup of tea, it was in keeping with the plot; her character being a real "free spirit" and bathing in the nude, much to the chagrin on Jack Nicholson's character.

However, when it is just included as wank-off material, I consider it a waste of film. Certainly a lot of horror movies suffer from this approach.

What I find interesting is that if the scene calls for a female to take off her clothes, then it's viewed as taking a risk, yet for male nudity, it is either non-existant in today's film, or the actor relies on a "body double". Kevin Costner, anyone?

I have to agree with what has been written here already. If it is not needed, then why have it? It can only slow the movie down, or throw it off the tracks entirely.

Nudity can be a beautiful thing, but only if it is used with the respect and clarity needed for the role and the film.