In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that the infamous rape scene in the movie “Last Tango In Paris” between Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider was non-consensual.
Bernardo Bertolucci, the director of the 1972 drama, confessed that the scene was orchestrated without Schneider's full knowledge to evoke a genuine reaction from her.
During a 2013 interview, Bertolucci disclosed that he intentionally kept Schneider in the dark about the explicit scene to capture her authentic emotions.
His motive was for her to respond as a girl, not just an actress, aiming to elicit feelings of humiliation.
The resurfacing of this admission has sparked widespread criticism over the treatment of Schneider, who was a mere 19 years old at the time of filming.
Schneider herself had previously expressed feeling violated during the filming process, likening the experience to being emotionally raped.
She revealed in a 2007 interview with the Daily Mail that she had not been informed in advance about the scene involving Brando, who was 48.
The lack of transparency left her feeling deeply distressed and vulnerable on set.
The controversial sequence, which involved the use of butter, was a collaborative idea between Bertolucci and Brando, conceived just before shooting commenced.
Despite acknowledging his mistreatment of Schneider by withholding crucial information, Bertolucci stood by his decision, stating that he wanted her genuine reactions rather than scripted performances.
Schneider recounted her emotional turmoil during the filming, emphasizing the real tears shed and the overwhelming sense of humiliation she experienced.
She lamented not having taken action to protect herself, unaware of her rights to object to such non-consensual scenes.
The trauma inflicted upon her by the director and Brando haunted her for years, leading to a deep-seated resentment towards them.
The revelations have reignited public outrage, with prominent figures like actor Chris Evans expressing disgust at the directors' actions.
Evans took to Twitter to denounce Bertolucci and Brando, vowing never to view the film in the same light again.
Actress Anna Kendrick echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of acknowledging Schneider's distress and holding the perpetrators accountable.
The disturbing accounts of Schneider's ordeal on the set of “Last Tango In Paris” shed light on the darker side of filmmaking, where boundaries are crossed in the name of art.
The industry's treatment of young actresses and the exploitation of their vulnerability raise pertinent questions about ethics and consent in cinema.
As the spotlight shines on this unsettling episode, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater respect and protection for performers in the entertainment world.
