What Was the Butter Scene in Last Tango in Paris?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a film enthusiast, you have most likely heard about the infamous butter scene in Last Tango in Paris. This controversial film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, stars Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider and was released in 1972. The movie is known for its explicit sexual content and graphic scenes that stirred up a lot of controversy upon release.

The butter scene, in particular, caused a massive uproar among audiences and critics alike. In this scene, Marlon Brando’s character Paul uses butter as a lubricant for anal sex with Maria Schneider’s character Jeanne. The scene is both shocking and disturbing, leading many to question the morality of the filmmakers.

The controversy surrounding the butter scene has led to discussions about consent on movie sets. Maria Schneider later revealed that she felt violated during the filming of this scene as she was not aware of what would happen until just before filming began. She also mentioned that she was not comfortable with this particular act and felt humiliated afterward.

Despite the controversy surrounding this scene, it remains one of the most talked-about moments in cinema history. The use of butter as a lubricant during sex is certainly not something one would expect to see on screen. It raises questions about artistic freedom versus morality when portraying sexual acts on film.

In conclusion, while Last Tango in Paris is undoubtedly an iconic film that pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms surrounding sexuality, it’s important to remember that it did come at a cost to those involved in its creation. The butter scene will always remain a topic of discussion among cinephiles, but it’s crucial to consider the impact such scenes have on those who participate in them.