Matt Shea
RubySoho
Morgan Bell
Cibbuano
David O'Connell
Mountain Fog
Last Tango in Paris
September 11th 2006 18:40
It has been said that the film was based on Bertolucci's impression of a Francis Bacon painting, using the motif of a tortured figure, lost in despair.
I have to admit, though, that I didn't watch it for artistic reasons. Truthfully, I rented it because of Seinfeld.
Jerry: You never saw Last Tango in Paris?
George: No, why?
Jerry: (chuckling) It was erotic!
I didn't enjoy it at all. Perhaps it's because I've become too jaded to appreciate it, and too desensitized to be turned on by it. I couldn't even finish it.
Yes, Bertolucci does his usual filmmaking, with the great lighting and impressive scenes. Yes, Brando gives a performance that's as good as Lex Luthor planning on world domination. Yes, the girl, played by Maria Schneider, has fficial&sa=N&tab=wi" target="_blank">eyepoppingly good breasts(nsfw), which are exposed for most of the movie.
But I couldn't finish it.
At the time of its release, in 1972, the scenes of debased sexual behaviour, and the indifference of the sexual act must have been shocking... liberating, even.
Now, however, in 2006, where casual sex is part of young adulthood, where oral and anal sex have become another night out at the movies, the scenes in Last Tango in Paris do not shock or titillate.
Yes, the story is played out nicely, but the viewer's interest in it becomes masked by the irritating conversation between Brando and Schneider. I just couldn't take it.
Honestly, I haven't been shocked by a film since 1996, when I watched Pulp Fiction and Ving Rhames got buggered to that hillbilly music. I still get creeps.
Last Tango in Paris is commonly applauded for its depiction of sexual relationships, and its willingness to push moral boundaries... however, I think the film has less relevance for us in these thong-wearing, STD-passing times. Besides, I was too bored to finish the movie, and I enjoyed sitting through every minute of Eyes Wide Shut.
Afterthought: I haven't seen all of his films, but I've definitely noticed a trend in Bertolucci movies. Big, naked breasts. The three that I've seen, Last Tango in Paris, The Last Emperor and The Dreamers, all have very impressive nude scenes.
I say: Don't bother. While it is awe-inspiring to see Brando gives us every ounce of dark matter inside himself, it made me yawn far too often.
See it for: I didn't make it that far, but apparently the anal sex scene caused a lot of wagging fingers back in the day.
* this movie poster was taken from Amazon.com and is used here to support the review of this film.
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Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
I think the whole genre does it for me. The genre of: "Let's together in a bare room and fuck like rabbits while talking about the meaning of life".
I guess what appeals to me is: (1) Brando -- best actor nomination for this film, and he deserved it; (2) the psychological exploration of the film generally; (3) the ethical, meaning of life issues.
To any prospective viewers: Don't watch it for the sex. Watch it asking yourself about motivation and character. Ask about the spaces between words, about unsaid implications, double meanings, possible interpretations. Then I think the film will be interesting.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Either way I really think this film strength is in the subtle grey areas of complex emotion. Brando was never again this good, IMO he actually delves into his inner psyche to expose hints of Marlon.
Not for everyone, This film will appeal to fans of films that explore the intricacys of human relationships and the power of sexuality.
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
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I was considering giving it another chance, because of the great scenes with Brando and his mother-in-law.
Comment by MamaB
Seriously? Seriously.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Last Tango in Paris was rated R20 at the cinemas in New Zealand! I hired it on video back in the heady days before all videos carried ratings. The endless monologue Brandy gives in the bedroom bored me to tears, but I remember enjoying the composition.
There's a sense of doom permeating the film which resonates. It's also of a time (70s) when successful arty directors like Bertolucci could indulge themselves narratively, and get away with it. There was a strong emphasis on space and time, and I applaud it. In the same brilliant way Tarkovsky played with it.
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by JohnDoe
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Old Movies
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Comment by Milly
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Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
What is it with young women these days who feel a girl needs to be completely shaven/waxed to be considered attractive and sexy ..?? The modern porn industry has got a lot to answer for!!!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a smooth pussy as much as the next nubile lovin' man .... but generally I find a girl who keeps herself reasonably au natural to be much more womanly and, ultimately, sexier. Sure, a little trimming might be in order, y'know, the old landing strip is a sure fire hit, but "womanly" is the operative word here .. otherwise if all the girls we shagged had shaven/waxed nether regions, then we'd start to get a complex that we were actually closet pedophiles (!!)
I mean, sure, there are a few reasons why women shave that have nothing to do with how attractive they appear to men in the nude, like being concerned about how they appear in a bikini on the beach, or how comfortable they feel getting changed in the women's locker room (the first is obviously a visual aesthetic, fair enough, I agree. The latter is based on social conditioning and peer pressure.)
As Cibbuano said ... "set yourself free" .... Have a trim, but don't necessarily go bald for the rest of your life ... I'm sure Sampson would've approved of Delilah going au natural, as it would have spelled seriously wild passion in the boudoir.
Am I making much of a point here, or am I simply makin' an ass of myself ...?
Comment by Milly
Travel Adventures
The questioning mind
Comment by Milly
Travel Adventures
The questioning mind
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Horrorphile
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
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Fat Cult
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That said, Milly had a good point. The girl in the movie WAS bushy... but that's part of that retro charm, no?
It's like when you watch that Bruce Lee movie and Chuck Norris shows off his styled back hair. That doesn't happen anymore, does it?