Last Tango in Paris (1972)

Introduction: A Film That Shocked the World

Last Tango in Paris (1972) is one of the most infamous films in cinematic history, known as much for its explicit content as for its exploration of the deeper emotional and psychological landscapes of its characters. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this drama caused a stir upon its release, sparking debates about art, sexuality, consent, and the boundaries of cinematic expression. Though controversial, Last Tango in Paris remains a pivotal work in the landscape of adult cinema, recognized both for its bold, ground breaking approach and for its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes.

The film tells the story of a passionate and, at times, troubling sexual relationship between two strangers, played by Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, set against the backdrop of a beautiful, though bleak, Parisian apartment. With its candid exploration of sexuality, emotional vulnerability, and human loneliness, the film makes an indelible mark on the viewer, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and presenting characters in a raw, unfiltered light.

Plot Summary

The story centres around a middle-aged American expatriate, Paul (Marlon Brando), who is grieving the recent loss of his wife. He rents an apartment in Paris, where he seeks solace and escape from his emotional turmoil. There, he meets Jeanne (Maria Schneider), a young woman who is also dealing with her own personal troubles—she’s preparing for her upcoming marriage and is in search of something more meaningful than the shallow relationships she’s experiencing.

They strike up an anonymous sexual relationship, with the explicit condition that neither will ask questions about the other’s identity. The relationship develops as a form of physical and emotional catharsis for both characters. For Paul, the relationship becomes an outlet for his grief and rage, while Jeanne, who is initially hesitant, becomes entangled in a confusing, increasingly intense bond with Paul.

The film is marked by long, raw, and often uncomfortable scenes of intimacy, where both characters' vulnerabilities are laid bare. Paul and Jeanne's sexual encounters are juxtaposed with glimpses into their personal lives, revealing deep emotional pain and existential questions about identity, connection, and the complexity of human relationships.

As the story progresses, the lines between emotional connection and sexual objectification blur. The anonymity and detachment of their relationship take a darker turn, with themes of power dynamics, manipulation, and control coming to the forefront. The film culminates in a shocking and tragic conclusion, leaving the characters—particularly Jeanne—shattered in different ways.

Themes and Analysis

The Power and Danger of Sexuality

Last Tango in Paris is a film that explores the complexity and potential dangers of human sexuality. The central relationship between Paul and Jeanne is defined by anonymity, where their connection is almost entirely based on sex. This exploration of sex as both a means of emotional release and a source of trauma forms the film's backbone.

Through these interactions, Bertolucci examines the different ways in which people use sex to cope with pain, loneliness, and trauma. Paul uses the relationship to escape the grief he feels after the death of his wife, while Jeanne seeks a sense of liberation from her impending marriage and the social expectations placed on her as a young woman. The film doesn’t offer a simplistic view of sex but instead shows its potential to be both liberating and destructive.

However, Last Tango in Paris also poses uncomfortable questions about consent, power, and manipulation. As the film develops, the relationship becomes less about mutual connection and more about control. Paul’s dominance and Jeanne’s vulnerability are highlighted, raising questions about the ethics of their sexual encounters. Jeanne's transformation throughout the film—from a passive participant to someone grappling with her own emotional agency—adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

Identity, Anonymity, and Emotional Catharsis

The theme of identity plays a pivotal role in Last Tango in Paris. From the outset, Paul and Jeanne agree to keep their identities hidden, which creates a space where both can explore a version of themselves that is detached from their personal lives and societal expectations. In this anonymous space, their sexual encounters become a form of emotional catharsis, a way for them to express desires, pain, and grief without fear of judgment.

However, as the relationship progresses, the anonymity begins to crumble, and with it, the illusion of emotional detachment. Paul’s grief, Jeanne’s fears about her future, and their inability to reconcile their internal turmoil with the physical intimacy they share make it impossible to separate their emotional and physical selves for long. The breakdown of their anonymity reflects the inevitable intersection of emotion and identity, with both characters struggling to reconcile who they are with what they have become through their interactions.

In this sense, the film questions the idea of true intimacy. What happens when two people reveal their inner selves through sex, yet still find themselves emotionally disconnected? Bertolucci’s portrayal of this paradox is both unsettling and deeply insightful, as it challenges the viewer to consider the emotional and psychological consequences of intimacy without connection.

Grief, Loneliness, and Existentialism

Another key theme in Last Tango in Paris is grief and loneliness. Both characters are, in different ways, dealing with emotional pain and isolation. Paul’s sorrow over his wife’s death is raw and palpable, and his sexual encounters are an attempt to numb the pain of loss. Jeanne, meanwhile, is suffocating under the weight of societal expectations and the impending marriage to a man she doesn’t truly love. Her emotional isolation is equally acute, and it becomes clear that she is seeking something beyond just physical pleasure in her relationship with Paul—she is searching for emotional validation and freedom.

The film presents an existential exploration of the human condition, where both characters are confronted with the meaninglessness of their lives and the way in which they seek temporary escapes from their inner turmoil. There’s a sense that they are both trapped—Paul by his grief and Jeanne by her preordained future. The film evokes the existentialist philosophy of figures like Sartre and Camus, who explored themes of alienation, the absurdity of existence, and the desperate search for meaning in an indifferent universe.

The Objectification of Women

Though Last Tango in Paris is largely focused on Paul’s journey through grief, the film is also a pointed critique of the way women are objectified. Jeanne, as the younger character, is subjected to Paul’s physical and emotional control, and her own desires and agency are often marginalized. At times, her role in the relationship seems to be that of a mere object for Paul’s catharsis, raising disturbing questions about gender and power in relationships.

The film’s portrayal of Jeanne’s vulnerability and gradual loss of autonomy, especially in the later stages of the film, reflects the way women can be reduced to their physicality in heterosexual relationships. While Paul’s character is emotionally tortured, Jeanne’s emotional suffering is less explored, and the film’s focus on her sexual vulnerability has led to significant criticism, especially in light of the revelations about the production of the film. Maria Schneider later spoke publicly about her discomfort during the filming of the infamous butter scene, which was not fully explained to her in advance.

Performances

Marlon Brando gives a masterful performance as Paul, fully embodying the emotional depth of a man broken by grief and consumed by the need for sexual release. His performance is magnetic, raw, and disturbing in equal measure, demonstrating his mastery as an actor. Brando’s portrayal of Paul as both a tragic figure and an emotionally manipulative character creates a complex dynamic that draws the audience into the film’s moral ambiguity.

Maria Schneider’s performance as Jeanne is equally compelling. She conveys the innocence, confusion, and eventual heartbreak of a young woman caught in an emotionally manipulative situation. Schneider’s ability to express the turmoil of her character—without fully verbalizing her pain—adds a layer of depth to Jeanne's character and makes her an integral part of the film’s emotional core.

Jean-Pierre Léaud plays a minor but notable role as Jeanne’s fiancé, who serves as a contrast to Paul’s character. Though his role is less developed, Léaud adds to the overall sense of emotional fragmentation in the film.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Bernardo Bertolucci’s direction in Last Tango in Paris is both daring and controversial. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional depth of the characters to unfold in long, unbroken scenes. Bertolucci’s decision to use the intimacy of the Parisian apartment as the primary setting creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, mirroring the emotional confinement of the characters.

Vittorio Storaro’s cinematography captures both the beauty and darkness of Paris, using lighting and framing to enhance the emotional tone of the film. The grainy, intimate shots add to the rawness of the film’s themes, making the viewer feel uncomfortably close to the characters.

The music by Gato Barbieri complements the film’s emotional intensity with a haunting jazz score that underscores the film’s sexual and emotional tension.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Last Tango in Paris is one of the most controversial films ever made. It shocked audiences with its explicit sexual content and its unflinching portrayal of human vulnerability, leading to debates about censorship, art, and exploitation. Though the film was hailed as a masterpiece by some critics for its bold exploration of taboo subjects, others condemned it as exploitative and demeaning to women.

In the years following its release, the film’s cultural impact has only grown. It continues to be studied for its exploration of sexuality, trauma, and existentialism, even as it remains a lightning rod for discussions about ethical filmmaking practices. The controversy surrounding the film, especially the details of its production, has added layers of complexity to its legacy, making it both an influential and divisive piece of cinema.

Final Thoughts

Last Tango in Paris is a powerful, provocative, and deeply uncomfortable film that explores the raw emotional landscapes of its characters. Though it remains a masterpiece of filmmaking in many respects, its depiction of sexuality, power, and gender dynamics makes it a challenging watch. The film forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about human intimacy and the emotional consequences of unrestrained desire.