Bertolucci Says That The Backlash Against The Butter Scene Is A “Ridiculous Misunderstanding”
He says only the use of butter was "spontaneous", not the scene itself.
This article discusses sexual assault.
–
This weekend many were incensed by a video of Oscar winning director Bernardo Bertolucci discussing a rape scene in his 1973 film Last Tango In Paris, which he claims he and star Marlon Brando didn’t flag with actress Maria Schneider before filming.
The 2013 interview depicted Bertolucci explaining that in order to get authentic “humiliation” out of a then 19-year-old Schneider, he and Brando “didn’t tell [Schneider] what was going on, because I wanted to get her reaction as a girl, not as an actress.”
“I didn’t want Maria to act her humiliation, her rage,” Bertolucci continued. “I wanted Maria to feel, not to act.”
Today Bertolucci has released a statement, claiming that while the use of butter in the scene was intentionally kept from Schneider, the rape scene was in the original script. “I would like, for the last time, to clear up a ridiculous misunderstanding that continues to generate press reports about Last Tango in Paris around the world,” Bertolucci said.
“Several years ago at the Cinematheque Francaise someone asked me for details on the famous ‘butter scene’. I specified, but perhaps I was not clear, that I decided with Marlon Brando not to inform Maria that we would have used butter. We wanted her spontaneous reaction to that improper use [of the butter]. That is where the misunderstanding lies.”
“Somebody thought, and thinks, that Maria had not been informed about the violence on her. That is false,” he said.
Bertolucci said that he learned “many years later” that Maria was “offended” by the scene. In 2007, Schneider told The Daily Mail that “that scene wasn’t in the original script, and that “they only told me about it before we had to film the scene and I was so angry.”
“I should have called my agent or had my lawyer come to the set because you can’t force someone to do something that isn’t in the script, but at the time, I didn’t know that.”
Schneider has gone on the record saying that she felt humiliated and “a little raped” by both Brando and Bertolucci. Despite Bertolucci’s statements today, the core issue of consent is still relevant: two older Hollywood heavyweights still lied to a 19-year-old about the mechanics of a rape scene and took advantage of the power dynamic. If Schneider felt violated by the scene, then it was never a safe space, regardless of what Bertolucci says.
–
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.