Last Tango in Paris (1972)

Synopsis of Last Tango in Paris

In Bernardo Bertolucci's art-house classic, Marlon Brando delivers one of his characteristically idiosyncratic performances as Paul, a middle-aged American in "emotional exile" who comes to Paris when his estranged wife commits suicide. Chancing to meet young Frenchwoman Jeanne (Maria Schneider), Paul enters into a sadomasochistic, carnal relationship with her, indirectly attacking the hypocrisy all around him through his raw, outrageous sexual behavior. Paul also hopes to purge himself of his own feelings of guilt, brilliantly (and profanely) articulated in a largely ad-libbed monologue at his wife's coffin. If the sexual content in Last Tango is uncomfortably explicit (once seen, the infamous "butter scene" is never forgotten), the combination of Brando's acting, Bertolucci's direction, Vittorio Storaro's cinematography, and Gato Barbieri's music is unbeatable, creating one of the classic European art movies of the 1970s, albeit one that is not for all viewers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

See All Last Tango in Paris Trailers and Clips

Director(s):

Bernardo Bertolucci

Writer(s):

Bernardo Bertolucci, Franco Arcalli

Producer(s):

Alberto Grimaldi

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

NC17(Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children)

Categories:

Independent Films

• 1973 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actor
• 1973 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actor

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of Last Tango in Paris?

See All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions