Last Tango in Paris

1972 *** 136 mins. (R-rated version runs 127 mins.)

NOTE: This review is written on the R-rated version pictured above. I have not seen the NC-17 rated version.

This film from Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci is purely a curiosity piece. It was for me, at least. I only wanted to see it out of curiosity, and now that I have, I don't care if I ever see it again. At parts, it feels like it tries to be a stereotypical foreign-language film, especially in the parts about the filmmaker/fiance. Powerful performances by Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider and a few good moments (like the "last tango" sequence) are the only qualities that keep this film from being a waste of time. The film does get very boring at times, but one can't help but wonder what's going to happen next.

The main story line is as thus: Marlon Brando's character's wife has just killed herself. He runs into a random girl looking at the same apartment that he is. They decide to rendezvous there for sexual interactions, with one rule: "I don't want to know your name." She gets involved with another guy, tensions heat up, and it all is resolved very simply in the end.
Rated NC-17 for some explicit sexual content, language, and nudity. R-rated version contains less of the same.

• Original aspect ratio: 1.75:1
• Premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 14, 1972

• ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Marlon Brando) and Best Director (Bernardo Bertolucci)
• GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Director - Motion Picture (Bernardo Bertolucci) and Best Motion Picture - Drama