Product: Last Tango in Paris (1973)
Rating: 4.0
Another brick in the legendary wall called "Brando."
Back in the cinematic Middle Ages, a movie that reached too far into the sexual realm -- let alone the psycho/sexual domain -- was considered "too racy" for American sensibilities. "Last Tango in Paris" was such a film. Like a famous painting, we've heard of it, but hardly understand what the fuss is about. And as with any work of art, once experienced, it takes time to fully digest.This is a dark and surreal film -- you won't be compelled to run through the fields singing like Julie Andrews once it's over. But if you savor stories that delve into the nether regions of the human psyche, it's like a cup of unsweetened, black coffee; strong, with a bitter bite.My recommendation of this movie is based, almost entirely, on Marlon Brando's performance. Director, Bernardo Bertolucci, is reputed to have spurred him on by relating, "This film is about your psychoanalysis... and mine!" Brando responded by offering us a chillingly realistic portrayal, of a man who's scraping the bottom of the emotional barrel. Among other parts, the infamous "pig scene," and the delirious finale, will -- yet again -- convince you of Brando's monolithic acting talent.It's regrettable that this film has so many dead spots, and that the tale is too flat. Nontheless, it stands as a notch on the belt of a great actor's career. No Marlon Brando fan should do without it!