The internet is currently ablaze with discussions on the use of CGI n^de scenes in movies, sparked by a report from the Daily Mail that Jessica Alba did not actually go n^de in her shower scene in “Machete”.

Instead, she filmed the scene wearing white undergarments, which were later digitally removed in post-production.

While some applaud the use of technology to avoid compromising an actress’ personal convictions, others are debating whether CGI n^de scenes detract from performances.

On /Film, the debate centers around whether CGI can take away from n^dty when it’s appropriate for the subject matter.

As Germain Lussier posits, “It’s very much like the new technology where CGI can make actors any weight or body shape they need to be.

That’s all fine and well, but what about performance and really getting into a role?”

Though it may be easier for an actress to imagine being n^ked in front of a man for the first time instead of going through an entire movie pretending to be malnourished, audiences may feel deceived if they find out about the CGI.

The question remains: should an actress lose out on a role because she doesn’t want to show a certain part of her body?

With the advent of CGI, there are now four options available: cut the scene, have the character wear clothes, use CGI or a body double, or replace the actress altogether.

The right call depends on the project and the actress in question.

Directors must now navigate how to negotiate with actresses, whether it’s better business to pay an actress a bonus to go t0pless or to tell her that CGI will be used instead.

What’s even more interesting is when an actress who is against n^dty allows herself to be shown n^ked with the use of CGI.

In a 2010 interview with Scarlet magazine, Alba stated that she would never do a n^de scene.

“I came from a very Catholic family so it wasn’t seen as a good thing to flaunt yourself like that,” she said.

However, her stance on n^dty changed with “Machete” because the CGI was so realistic that it gave the impression that she was nude.

Alba’s publicist has released a statement saying, “Jessica has been steadfast in her resolve not to appear n^de in films from the beginning of her career.

The decision to digitally remove the underwear from the shower scene in Machete was one she and Robert Rodriguez made together, which would serve his vision for the film, as well as honor her personal convictions regarding nudity.

She is very proud of the film and stands by the creative decisions she and Robert made about this scene.”

Overall, the use of CGI in n^de scenes can be a polarizing topic.

While some may argue that it detracts from the authenticity of a performance, others view it as a way to protect an actress’ personal convictions.

As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how directors and actresses navigate these discussions.