Key Highlights
- A biographical drama, ‘Maria,’ focusing on Maria Schneider’s tumultuous experience during the filming of ‘The Last Tango in Paris’ is set to premiere at Cannes.
- Anamaria Vartolomei stars as Schneider, with Matt Dillon portraying Marlon Brando under the direction of Jessica Palud.
- The film is based on the memoir by Schneider’s cousin, Vanessa Schneider, offering a personal and intense look at the actress’s life and challenges.
(livesinsight.com) – In a bold move that underscores the evolving narrative around historical cinematic controversies, the Cannes Film Festival is set to showcase ‘Maria,’ a film that delves into the life and trials of Maria Schneider. Directed by Jessica Palud, this feature not only revisits the infamous and controversial scenes of ‘The Last Tango in Paris’ but also aims to give voice to Schneider’s experiences, which have long been overshadowed by the global scandal following the movie’s release. Starring Anamaria Vartolomei as Schneider and Matt Dillon as Marlon Brando, ‘Maria’ promises to open a new chapter in understanding the impact of cinematic narratives on personal lives.
Unveiling the Story of ‘Maria’ at Cannes
The upcoming Cannes Film Festival will witness the premiere of ‘Maria,’ a poignant film that revisits the harrowing experiences of Maria Schneider on the set of ‘The Last Tango in Paris.’ Directed by Jessica Palud, the film is inspired by ‘Tu t’appelais Maria Schneider’ (You Were Called Maria Schneider), a memoir penned by Schneider’s cousin, Vanessa Schneider. This narrative film seeks to shed light on the personal and professional turmoil Maria faced during and after the movie’s production, which featured a graphic rape scene that Schneider later claimed was not consensually filmed.
Studiocanal, previously known as Orange Studio, has taken up the mantle to handle international sales at the Cannes Film Market, ensuring that Maria’s story reaches a global audience. The film is produced by Marielle Duigou at Les Films de Mina, with French production company Haut et Court set to release it in theaters across France on June 19.
The Challenge of Recreating Iconic Personalities
Playing iconic figures from cinematic history is no small feat. For Matt Dillon and Anamaria Vartolomei, portraying Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider respectively brought unique challenges. Dillon, chosen by Palud for his ability to ‘truly embody Hollywood,’ described stepping into Brando’s shoes as ‘dreadful,’ especially considering the controversial scenes he had to enact. Vartolomei, on the other hand, faced the daunting task of being in virtually every shot of the film, a testament to her pivotal role in carrying forward Maria’s narrative.
Director Jessica Palud emphasized the intense preparation that went into these performances. Months of rehearsals, emotional conditioning, and cinematic studies were essential to help the actors fully grasp and portray the complex real-life characters. Palud’s focus on ‘the gaze’ highlights the thematic core of the film—how the perceptions and misunderstandings of those around us can inflict deep emotional scars.
Impact and Legacy: Revisiting ‘The Last Tango in Paris’
‘The Last Tango in Paris’ remains a landmark film in the annals of cinema, not only for its directorial prowess and acting but also for the controversies it sparked. Released in 1973 and directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film was embroiled in scandal due to its explicit content and the ethical implications surrounding its production. Maria Schneider, who was only 19 at the time, later expressed her trauma and betrayal, stating that she was not informed about the nature of the rape scene beforehand, which led to lasting psychological impacts.
The portrayal of these events in ‘Maria’ seeks not only to entertain but to provoke thought and discussion about the responsibilities of filmmakers and the rights of actors. As the film prepares for its screening at Cannes, it invites audiences to reflect on the changes in the film industry and the ongoing dialogue about consent, artistic freedom, and moral accountability.