"Last Tango in Paris" is a 1972 film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider. The film is considered a classic of world cinema and has been praised for its performances, especially by Brando and Schneider. However, the film has also been the subject of controversy due to the alleged lack of payment for Schneider's role in the film.
Background:
"Last Tango in Paris" tells the story of a man (Brando) who begins a s-xual relationship with a young woman (Schneider) in Paris. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous awards and nominations. However, it was also the subject of controversy due to its explicit s-xual content and its portrayal of a sadomasochistic relationship.
The Controversy:
One of the main controversies surrounding "Last Tango in Paris" is the alleged lack of payment for Maria Schneider's role in the film. Schneider claimed that she was not properly compensated for her role in the film and that she was not given a proper contract. She also claimed that she was not informed about the film's explicit s-xual content and that she was not given the opportunity to approve the final cut of the film.
In a 2007 interview with the Daily Mail, Schneider said, "I felt a little raped, both by Marlon and by Bertolucci. After the scene, Marlon didn't console me or apologize. Thankfully, there was just one take."
This statement has led many to believe that Schneider was not properly compensated for her role in the film and that she was not given the respect she deserved as an actress.
Brando's Response:
Marlon Brando has not publicly commented on the controversy surrounding Schneider's payment for "Last Tango in Paris." However, he has been quoted as saying that he did not have a good working relationship with Schneider during the filming of the movie.
In a 1994 interview with Larry King, Brando said, "She didn't know what the hell she was doing. She was very young and very inexperienced."
This statement has led many to believe that Brando did not respect Schneider as an actress and that he did not take her role in the film seriously.
Bertolucci's Response:
Bernardo Bertolucci, the director of "Last Tango in Paris," has also not publicly commented on the controversy surrounding Schneider's payment for the film. However, he has been quoted as saying that he feels guilty about the way Schneider was treated during the filming of the movie.
In a 2013 interview with the Daily Beast, Bertolucci said, "I feel guilty, but I do not have the courage to talk about it... Maria accused me of not telling her what would happen in the scene of the butter. That is untrue. I did not tell her that the scene would be that explicit."
This statement has led many to believe that Bertolucci regrets the way Schneider was treated during the filming of "Last Tango in Paris" and that he feels guilty about the controversy surrounding her payment for the film.
"Last Tango in Paris" is a classic film that has been praised for its performances, especially by Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider. However, the film has also been the subject of controversy due to the alleged lack of payment for Schneider's role in the film. Schneider claimed that she was not properly compensated for her role in the film and that she was not given a proper contract. She also claimed that she was not informed about the film's explicit s-xual content and that she was not given the opportunity to approve the final cut of the film.
Despite the controversy, "Last Tango in Paris" continues to be considered a classic of world cinema and is still widely watched and discussed today. However, it is important to remember the treatment of Schneider during the filming of the movie and to ensure that actors and actresses are treated with respect and given proper compensation for their work.
The controversy surrounding Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider's payment for "Last Tango in Paris" highlights the need for better treatment and respect for actors and actresses in the film industry. It is important for filmmakers to be transparent and fair in their treatment of actors, and for actors to be properly compensated for their work. The legacy of "Last Tango in Paris" should be remembered for both its artistic achievements and the mistreatment of its leading lady, Maria Schneider.
