# Last Tango in Paris

> 1972 film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci

**Wikidata**: [Q570567](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q570567)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Tango_in_Paris)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/last-tango-in-paris

## Summary
*Last Tango in Paris* is a 1972 drama film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, known for its controversial and explicit portrayal of a sexual relationship between two strangers. It stars Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider and is recognized as a landmark in European art-house cinema for its raw emotional and erotic themes.

## Key Facts
- **Release Year**: 1972
- **Director**: Bernardo Bertolucci
- **Main Cast**: Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider
- **Genre**: Drama, Romance, Erotic Film
- **Country of Origin**: France, Italy
- **Production Company**: Aleravideocinema
- **Duration**: 129 minutes
- **Languages**: Available in multiple Wikipedia language versions, including Italian (as "Ultimo tango a Parigi")
- **Notable for**: Controversial explicit content, critical acclaim, and influence on European cinema

## FAQs
**What is *Last Tango in Paris* about?**  
*Last Tango in Paris* is a drama film that explores the intense and emotionally raw relationship between a grieving American man, Paul (Marlon Brando), and a young Parisian woman, Jeanne (Maria Schneider). The film is known for its unflinching depiction of sexuality and emotional vulnerability, making it a subject of both critical discussion and public controversy.

**Who directed *Last Tango in Paris*?**  
The film was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, an acclaimed Italian filmmaker known for his artistic and provocative cinematic works. His direction in *Last Tango in Paris* pushed boundaries in narrative and visual storytelling.

**Why is *Last Tango in Paris* considered controversial?**  
The film is infamous for its explicit and unfiltered portrayal of sexuality, particularly a pivotal scene involving improvised, unsimulated sexual content. This led to censorship battles, public outcry, and debates over artistic freedom versus obscenity.

**What awards or recognition has *Last Tango in Paris* received?**  
While not a major awards magnet, the film gained significant cultural and critical attention for its boldness and cinematic innovation. It is often cited in film studies and retrospectives for its role in pushing the limits of on-screen intimacy and emotional realism.

**Where was *Last Tango in Paris* produced?**  
It was a Franco-Italian co-production, with production companies including Aleravideocinema, and was filmed in Paris, France.

**Who stars in *Last Tango in Paris*?**  
The film stars Marlon Brando, an American icon known for his Method acting and intense screen presence, and Maria Schneider, a French actress recognized for her breakthrough role in this film.

## Why It Matters
*Last Tango in Paris* is significant for redefining cinematic boundaries in the early 1970s, particularly in its unapologetic and explicit treatment of human sexuality. It challenged traditional filmmaking norms and sparked global debates on censorship, artistic expression, and the role of cinema in society. The film’s exploration of grief, alienation, and intimacy influenced generations of filmmakers and remains a touchstone in the study of modern cinema.

## Notable For
- **Controversial Content**: Explicit sexual scenes that sparked debates on censorship and artistic freedom.
- **Cinematic Innovation**: Pioneering raw emotional and physical realism in mainstream cinema.
- **International Cast**: Features Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider in career-defining roles.
- **Cultural Impact**: Frequently cited in film theory and art-house cinema discussions.
- **Historical Context**: A landmark film of 1970s European art cinema, representing a shift in narrative boundaries.

## Body

### Production and Direction
*Last Tango in Paris* (1972) was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, an Italian filmmaker celebrated for his psychologically complex and visually rich films. The production was a Franco-Italian collaboration, with Aleravideocinema credited as the production company. The film was shot in Paris, France, and is notable for its use of naturalistic lighting and intimate cinematography that mirrored its emotionally charged narrative.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars Marlon Brando as Paul, a grieving American man who engages in an anonymous sexual relationship with Jeanne, played by French actress Maria Schneider. Brando’s performance is widely regarded as one of his most emotionally raw and unguarded, while Schneider’s portrayal of Jeanne marked her emergence as a significant figure in European art-house cinema. Her performance, especially, became iconic for its vulnerability and authenticity.

### Themes and Narrative
The film explores themes of grief, alienation, and the disconnection of modern life. Paul and Jeanne’s relationship is built on anonymity, with neither knowing the other’s name, which intensifies the emotional and psychological stakes. The narrative’s centerpiece is a controversial and unsimulated sexual scene, which became a focal point for public and critical discourse on the limits of cinematic expression.

### Reception and Controversy
Upon release, *Last Tango in Paris* was met with both critical acclaim and public controversy due to its explicit content. The film was banned in several countries and faced censorship in others, particularly in the United States, where it was initially rated X. The controversy elevated its profile, making it a subject of academic and cultural analysis for its unflinching portrayal of sexuality and emotional realism.

### Genre and Classification
The film is classified under the genres of drama, romance, and erotic film. It is often studied in the context of 1970s European cinema and is considered a forerunner in the exploration of on-screen intimacy. The film’s narrative structure and visual language influenced a generation of filmmakers, particularly in the French New Wave and Italian art cinema movements.

### Cultural and Academic Impact
*Last Tango in Paris* has been cited in numerous film studies and retrospectives for its role in redefining cinematic boundaries. It is frequently discussed in the context of Method acting, emotional authenticity, and narrative innovation. The film’s influence extends to modern cinema, where its themes of alienation and intimacy continue to resonate.

### Related Entities and Works
- **Marlon Brando**: Starred as Paul, a role that showcased his emotional depth and screen presence.
- **Maria Schneider**: Played Jeanne, a role that became a defining moment in her career.
- **Bernardo Bertolucci**: Directed the film, bringing his signature psychological and visual storytelling.
- **Aleravideocinema**: The production company behind the film’s Italian and French collaboration.
- **France and Italy**: The co-producing countries, reflecting the film’s international appeal and financing.

### Legacy and Influence
The film’s legacy lies in its unflinching portrayal of human emotion and sexuality, influencing modern cinema’s approach to intimate storytelling. It remains a subject of academic interest and cultural analysis, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of film as an art form. Its impact is evident in the continued relevance of its themes and the enduring influence of its director and cast.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Last Tango in Paris. Rotten Tomatoes
3. Lexicon of international films
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. BBC Things
6. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/last-tango-in-paris/)
7. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
8. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
9. SoundtrackCollector
10. Bechdel Test Movie List
11. mymovies.it
12. Danish Film Database
13. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/83631)
14. TheTVDB
15. Trakt.tv
16. FilmVandaag.nl