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From: jay@umcp-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.movies,net.tv
Subject: Re: Censorship again (Last Tango in Paris)
Message-ID: <7255@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 25-May-84 08:49:11 EDT
Article-I.D.: umcp-cs.7255
Posted: Fri May 25 08:49:11 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 1-Jun-84 05:55:58 EDT
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"Last Tango" seems to be getting the short end around here because of it
steamy/not steamy sex and its depressing tone.  I've seen the film a couple
of times and find it fascinating.  Sex is an outlet for both Paul (Brando) and
Jeanne to act out their fantasies.  Paul has just lost a wife to suicide.  It's
clear from the film that he was utterly dependant upon her while she was alive
and he, thus, attempts to maintain a distance with Jeanne.  "No names",he says.
He is brutal and she submissive; I'm sure this offends many and I wouldn't be
surprised if this is the intention.  But the fact the Jeanne outgrows the 
relationship, although Paul comes to depend upon it, shows ultimately who is
the stronger, more adaptable of the two.  There's a lot going on in this film,
as there is in any good film.  If you decided to watch it just for the sex,
you've missed an awful lot.  Bertolucci is a respected filmmaker.  He says
some interesting things to say and says them in interesting ways.  Next time
the film comes around note the camera movement, the position of the       
characters in the frame, the lighting.  Watch and listen to Brando.  I can't
think of another film where he gives a better sustained performance.  A film
that raises questions, one that makes you feel uneasy as you leave the 
theater, is a film that touches in ways that are not familiar to the typical
American moviegoer used to addle-pated entertainment.  Both serve a purpose  
and you have every right to prefer either over the other.
-- 
Jay Elvove       ..!seismo!umcp-cs!jay