Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris, a 1972 United Artists production, still sparks conversation, more than five decades after its initial release. The film is not an easy watch, by any means, but it’s hard to deny the power of its performances and the raw, visceral emotion it evokes.
At the heart of the picture is Paul, played by Marlon Brando, an American expatriate in Paris reeling from the recent suicide of his wife. Brando presents a man consumed by grief, acting out in violent, sexual ways. He meets Jeanne, played by Maria Schneider, a young Parisian woman engaged to be married, who is in a state of personal flux. The two form an intense, anonymous, and purely physical relationship. The movie is mostly set in a sparsely furnished apartment, the setting reflecting the stripped-down nature of their encounters.
The movie is explicit in its depictions of sexual acts, and it doesn’t hold back from portraying the darker aspects of human desire and the pain that people can inflict upon one another. The relationship between Paul and Jeanne is uncomfortable and at times deeply disturbing, challenging the typical romantic notions of love and connection. Brando’s performance is often cited as one of his best, if not his most intense, and it’s easy to see why; he inhabits the role with a broken intensity. Schneider, too, delivers a brave and raw depiction of a woman trying to assert her own self while battling her feelings of vulnerability and the strange power that Paul holds over her.

The movie also features performances from Giovanna Galletti as Paul’s deceased wife, Catherine, and Jean-Pierre Léaud as Tom, Jeanne’s fiancé. Both perform their roles well, adding depth to the narrative. The direction by Bertolucci is masterful, making use of long takes and close-ups to capture the intimacy and intensity of the scenes. The movie uses the setting of Paris to create a sense of alienation and loneliness which underpins the movie.
Last Tango in Paris is not for everyone. Its exploration of grief, sex, and the human condition is unflinching. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and it raises questions about consent, power, and the nature of human connection. It is a movie that will challenge your preconceptions and push the boundaries of what is acceptable on screen.
Last Tango in Paris is a United Artists production.
Release Date: 1972
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Cast: Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider, Giovanna Galletti, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Catherine Allegret.