What Was the Butter Scene in the Last Tango in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

The butter scene in the Last Tango in Paris is undoubtedly one of the most controversial and talked-about scenes in cinema history. This scene, which takes place between Marlon Brando’s character Paul and Maria Schneider’s character Jeanne, has been the subject of much debate and criticism since the film’s release in 1972.

To give some context, Last Tango in Paris is a film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci that explores issues such as love, sex, and power. The film revolves around a chance encounter between Paul, a middle-aged American man grieving the loss of his wife, and Jeanne, a young Parisian woman about to be married.

The infamous butter scene takes place when Paul asks Jeanne to retrieve a stick of butter from her apartment. When she returns with it, he proceeds to use it as a lubricant for anal sex without her prior consent or knowledge.

This scene has been widely criticized for its depiction of sexual violence and exploitation. Many have argued that Schneider was not aware of the specifics of the scene before filming and that it constituted a violation of her rights as an actress.

Bertolucci himself has admitted that he did not inform Schneider about the specifics of the scene beforehand. In a 2013 interview, he said that he and Brando came up with the idea for the scene without consulting Schneider because they wanted her “reaction as a girl” rather than an actress.

The controversy surrounding the butter scene in Last Tango in Paris raises important questions about consent and artistic responsibility. While some argue that it is merely a product of its time and should be viewed within its historical context, others believe that it represents an unacceptable form of exploitation.

In conclusion, while Last Tango in Paris remains an important work of cinema for many reasons, including its exploration of complex themes such as grief and desire, it is also significant for its portrayal of sexual violence. The butter scene has sparked important conversations about the ethics of filmmaking and the responsibilities of artists to their subjects. As viewers, it is important to engage with these debates and consider our own values and beliefs when watching controversial films.