| ‘I think that one of the things ‘Tango’ is saying is that relationships no longer exist, that people in our society can no longer communicate with each other. The only thing that still seems true is sex.’ - Bernardo Bertolucci |
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| bclassics is a re-release programme of classic films run by Broadway Cinematheque since its 20th anniversary in 2016. The programme aspires to nurture young cinephiles by allowing them to appreciate the unfaded charm of classic films on silver screen. To commemorate Bernardo Bertolucci who passed away in November 2018, bclassics pays a special tribute to the great Italian filmmaker with a re-run of Last Tango in Paris, now digitally restored. |
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| One of the most significant works of Bernardo Bertolucci, Last Tango in Paris revolves around the anonymous sexual relationship between a middle-aged widowed American expatriate and a young Parisian girl. Made in Bertolucci’s signature style, the film penetrates into the void of modern relationships, behind passion and desire. Upon its initial release in 1972, the film gained universal critical acclaim and unprecedented popularity. People even had to stand in line for 2 hours to watch it. The graphic depiction of sexual violence sparked controversy, prompting American and British censors to require the film to be cut and revised, while some countries banned it from screening. Later, news about Bertolucci’s unethical directorial approach surfaced, again causing shock and disputes. |
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| Bertolucci was inspired by his own sexual fantasy, in which he dreamt of having sex with a beautiful woman on the street, whose identity was unknown to him. He developed the dream into a screenplay alongside Franco Arcalli. Agnès Varda wrote some of the dialogues of the film. Marlon Brandon breathed life into his character with improvised acting and lines, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1973. Bernardo Bertolucci was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director. |
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| Last Tango in Paris |
| Bernardo Bertolucci | Italy, France | 1972 | 129 min | In French and English with Chinese and English subtitles | III |
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| A middle-aged American man mourning the suicide of his wife meets a young, engaged Parisian woman at an apartment that both are interested in renting. They begin a passionate sexual relationship, but he insists that neither of them share any personal information, not even names… |
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| About the Director - Bernardo Bertolucci (1941 – 2018) |
| Bernardo Bertolucci is one of the most renowned Italian film director. Started out as an assistant director of Italian filmmaker, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Bertolucci later made his directorial debut at age 21 in 1962. He has been well-recognised internationally, especially for Last Tango in Paris (1972) and Last Emperor (1988). Sexual relationship, desire, confrontation and patriarchy are largely discussed in his works, leading him to be one of the most awarded but controversial directors. |
