Cinema
Last Tango in Paris
Ultimo tango a Parigi
Bernardo Bertolucci · 1972
Synopsis
Paris. Paul, a middle-aged American whose wife has just taken her own life, views an empty flat to let at the same time as Jeanne, a young Parisian woman. They make love there without knowing each other, and Paul sets a rule: they will meet there without ever telling each other their names or anything about their lives. Jeanne, who is to marry Tom, a young filmmaker, nevertheless returns, and the meetings are repeated.
Context
The male role was first offered to Jean-Louis Trintignant, who refused; it went to Marlon Brando, and Maria Schneider replaced Dominique Sanda. Two paintings by Francis Bacon open the credits. The screenplay is by Bertolucci and Franco Arcalli, Agnès Varda wrote French dialogue; the cinematography is by Vittorio Storaro, the music by Gato Barbieri. Seized in Italy as soon as it was released, the film was condemned in 1976 by the Court of Cassation, which ordered the destruction of the prints; the director was deprived of his civil rights for five years. It was rehabilitated and re-released in 1987.
Who it is for
A little over two hours, in English and French; in France, the film is banned for those under sixteen.
Prizes and reception
Two Oscar nominations, for direction and for Marlon Brando; condemned, then rehabilitated in Italy.
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