One of the most controversial films of the 1970s—rated X upon its original release (since changed to NC-17)—Bernardo Bertolucci's 1972 drama about a widower who escapes from his anguish and despair after his wife's suicide by entering a purely physical relationship with a free-spirited young beauty remains a powerful and provocative work almost 40 years later. At the height of his fame and talent, Marlon Brando delivers a raw, emotionally naked, Oscar-nominated performance as 45-year-old Paul. The late Maria Schneider made her mark as Jeanne, the voluptuous, optimistic woman fascinated by this enigmatic man who insists on not sharing names or life histories. With her boyfriend Tom (French New Wave icon Jean-Pierre Léaud) manipulating their own relationship to resemble an idealized, larger than life Hollywood romance, Jeanne's private encounters with Paul—unencumbered by the baggage of the past or expectations for the future—bring a missing spontaneity and intimacy to her life, but the lack of commitment and emotional engagement takes a different kind of toll. Debuting on Blu-ray with a fine transfer in its original, uncut 129-minute version, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Last Tango in Paris
MGM, 129 min., NC-17, Blu-ray: $19.99 Volume 26, Issue 3
Last Tango in Paris
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