Last Tango

An American expatriate widower, Paul, in his 40s, meets a young Parisian woman, Jeanne, in her late teens, in an empty apartment. They begin a passionate, anonymous sexual affair, using the apartment as their sanctuary. Paul, consumed by grief over his wife's suicide, seeks solace and escape in their intense but transient relationship. Jeanne, an aspiring actress, becomes entangled in Paul's emotional turmoil and her own burgeoning understanding of love and loss.

Last Tango in Paris is a highly controversial yet critically acclaimed film, lauded for its raw emotional power and Marlon Brando's unforgettable performance. However, it has also faced significant criticism for its explicit content and the ethical implications surrounding its production, particularly concerning the infamous 'butter scene'. Despite the controversies, it remains a landmark film in cinematic history, exploring themes of grief, sexuality, and existential despair with unflinching intensity.

• Praised for its bold exploration of raw human emotion and Brando's tour-de-force performance.

• Noted for its controversial and explicit nature, pushing cinematic boundaries.

• Regarded as a powerful, albeit disturbing, cinematic achievement.

Google audience: Google users generally acknowledge the film's artistic merit and Brando's acting prowess, with many finding the film deeply moving and thought-provoking. However, a significant portion also expresses discomfort with the explicit sexual content and the intense, often bleak, emotional landscape.

Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actor for Marlon Brando, Best Director for Bernardo Bertolucci), and received nominations for Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards.

The infamous 'butter scene' was improvised by Marlon Brando and Bernardo Bertolucci on the day of shooting, with Brando reportedly suggesting the use of butter to lubricate Maria Schneider's anus, which shocked Schneider who was not fully aware of what the scene entailed.