Review of Last Tango in Paris (1972) by Matthew D — 09 Jun 2018

A toxic affair in Paris.

Last Tango in Paris is one of the four perfect films that Marlon Brando starred in during the 1970's alongside The Godfather, Superman, and Apocalypse Now. Although later in his illustrious career in 1972, Brando pulls off a sincere performance like any of his earlier great ones. Brando's portrayal of an American widower in Paris is simultaneously sweet and severe towards Maria Schneider's character Jeanne. He manages a seductive and mysterious persona that turns toxic and violent in his rage. It is a masterful performance from Brando.

Similarly, young actress Maria Schneider is quite endearing if naive as a French fiance named Jeanne that engages in an affair with Brando's Paul. She is lovely and wonder struck at Paul, but infuriated at his sudden cruelty. It's hard to watch her suffer, but their romance feels real. Last Tango in Paris makes Paul and Jeanne's romance look genuine. They discuss life, love, and sexuality with a maturity unseen in other cinema.

Furthermore, the acting from French actor Jean-Pierre Léaud is really fun as Jeanne's absentee future husband that aspires to be a director. He facilitates a meta commentary about filming the movie including shot composition, framing, improvisation, and commitment to filmmaking. It's a nice supporting role from Léaud.

Additionally, the writing in Last Tango in Paris is so realistic to how people acting talk. You feel their hopes, dreams, despair, fears, and attractions all in their words thanks to the excellent script from legendary French director Agnès Varda. She perfectly captures how these characters think, talk, and feel about their predicament. Last Tango in Paris is some of the finest screenwriting ever written for film.

Musically, the romantic jazz and the seductive classical score from composer Gato Barbieri is lovely. I have the beautiful love theme stuck in my head after having heard it in Last Tango in Paris. It is very fitting music for the movie. Romance films have never sounded so captivating.

Finally, director Bernardo Bertolucci shot clever sequences and stunning shots. You get long take panning shots that follow the characters closely around Paris. You get quiet still close ups during monologues that hold your attention firm in their eyes along with their words. Even with Bertolucci's exploitation of sexuality, Last Tango in Paris is hauntingly beautiful with every carefully crafted frame.

In conclusion, Last Tango in Paris is at once the most wildly intense romance film and disturbing depiction of unhappiness and loss. I loved Last Tango in Paris. You will be enthralled by Last Tango in Paris' charms and horrified by its shocking twists. It is a timeless classic for the ages.