For anyone who was out of diapers in 1972, the sensation caused by the release of director Bernardo Bertolucci's Last Tango in Paris is still an indelible memory. Marlon Brando starred in the groundbreaking story of a middle-aged American ex-patriate living in Paris who tries to cope with his wife's suicide by having anonymous sexual flings with a free-spirited young woman. As their relationship deepens, tragic consequences occur. Brando was still in the midst of a decade-long career slump. He filmed Last Tango before The Godfather was released. That film won him an Oscar and put him back atop Hollywood royalty. The release of Last Tango shocked both critics and audiences with its startlingly frank depiction of kinky sex. Not overlooked, however, was what many feel was Brando's bravest and most effective screen performance. It is inconceivable that such a major film would be made today. No major studio would finance it and no leading star would be brave enough to appear in it. The film was banned in numerous countries and Bertolucci's native Italy branded it "obscene" and for a time, there were criminal warrants issued for him and the film's stars.
Actress Maria Schneider was only 19 years old when she was cast as Brando's object of desire. Schneider was perfect in the part. Her geninune innocence gave the film an erotic quality it might not have had with a more seasoned actress. However, she was already leading a troubled personal life when cast in the film. Her raw sex scenes with Brando are still the stuff of screen legend, including an infamous sequence of anal rape. With the sensational response to the film an international phenomenon, many felt Schneider would be immediately propelled to stardom. However, despite a couple of high profile screen roles, she virtually vanished into oblivion. Now, on the 35th anniversary of the film, The Daily Mail of London has an exclusive interview with her that is both moving and revealing. Click here to read it
Last Tango in Paris is now playing in British cinemas in a remastered, digital format. For more information and to view the original trailer, click here.
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