Event

LAST TANGO IN PARIS

Bertolucci brings eroticism to the screen in The Last Tango in Paris. He explores sexual sadomasochism and societal hypocrisy. The film stars Marlon Brando as an American widower who engages in a sexual relationship with young Parisian (Maria Schneider). This film was considered obscene by many viewers. For others it was considered groundbreaking in the portrayal of sexual politics shown in a passionate affair between an older man and younger woman. But most everyone agrees that it is one of the most controversial films of its era. It was originally banned from Italy and, after finally being released, it was banned again for 11 years. Bertolucci received a suspended prison sentence and lost the right to vote for five years. This film not only was groundbreaking, but it also started a new trend. For Italian films to make more money filmmakers would employ foreign actors to star in their roles. Today, the films explicitness seem dated, but it impacted later films in todays cinema. Bertolucci received an Academy Award nomination as best director for The Last Tango in Paris. (129 mins. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.)