The story of Maria Schneider, the late French actress whose life was irrevocably altered by her experience filming Last Tango in Paris (1972), is being brought to the screen in a bold new drama titled Being Maria. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jessica Palud, the film stars Anamaria Vartolomei as Schneider and Matt Dillon as Marlon Brando, offering a fictionalized account of the making of Bernardo Bertolucci’s controversial masterpiece and the emotional toll it took on its young star.
The recently released trailer for Being Maria has already sparked intense discussion, offering a glimpse into a story that is as much about power dynamics in Hollywood as it is about Schneider’s personal journey. With its haunting visuals and powerful performances, the film promises to shed light on one of cinema’s most infamous chapters, while honoring Schneider’s resilience and legacy.
The Legacy of ‘Last Tango in Paris’
Last Tango in Paris is often hailed as a groundbreaking work of art, a raw and unflinching exploration of grief, desire, and human connection. Directed by Bertolucci and starring Brando alongside the then-19-year-old Schneider, the film pushed boundaries with its explicit content and psychological intensity. However, behind the scenes, the production was marred by controversy, particularly surrounding the infamous “butter scene,” in which Brando’s character assaults Schneider’s character using butter as a lubricant.
Years later, Schneider revealed that the scene was not consensual. She was not informed of the details beforehand, and the experience left her feeling violated and traumatized. “I felt humiliated and, to be honest, I felt a little raped,” she said in a 2007 interview. Her revelations sparked a broader conversation about consent, exploitation, and the abuse of power in the film industry—a conversation that continues to resonate today.
‘Being Maria’: A Fictionalized Account of a Real-Life Tragedy
Being Maria takes inspiration from Schneider’s experiences, weaving together fact and fiction to explore the emotional and psychological impact of Last Tango in Paris. The film follows Schneider (Vartolomei) as she navigates the pressures of fame, the manipulative tactics of Bertolucci (played by Samuel Theis), and the intimidating presence of Brando (Dillon).
The trailer opens with Schneider’s arrival on set, wide-eyed and eager to prove herself. “I just want to act,” she says, her voice trembling with hope. But as the production progresses, the tone shifts, with scenes of Schneider being coerced into uncomfortable situations and struggling to assert herself in a male-dominated environment.
Dillon’s portrayal of Brando is particularly striking, capturing the actor’s magnetic charisma and darker, more manipulative tendencies. In one chilling moment, Brando tells Schneider, “This is what it means to be an artist,” as the camera lingers on her tear-streaked face.
Anamaria Vartolomei: Channeling Maria’s Vulnerability and Strength
At the heart of Being Maria is Anamaria Vartolomei’s portrayal of Schneider, a performance that has already drawn praise for its emotional depth and authenticity. Vartolomei, best known for her role in Happening (2021), captures Schneider’s vulnerability and resilience, embodying the young actress’s journey from innocence to disillusionment.
“Maria was so much more than a victim,” Vartolomei said in a recent interview. “She was a fighter, a survivor, and an artist who refused to let her trauma define her. I wanted to honor that strength while also showing the pain she endured.”
The film also delves into Schneider’s life after Last Tango in Paris, exploring her struggles with addiction, mental health, and her efforts to reclaim her identity in an industry that often reduced her to a symbol of exploitation.
Matt Dillon as Marlon Brando: A Complex Portrait
Matt Dillon’s casting as Marlon Brando has been a topic of much discussion, with many praising the actor’s ability to capture Brando’s enigmatic presence. Known for his roles in Drugstore Cowboy and Crash, Dillon brings a nuanced performance to the role, portraying Brando as both a towering figure of artistic genius and a deeply flawed individual.
“Brando was a complicated man,” Dillon said. “He was a revolutionary actor, but he also had a darker side. I wanted to explore that duality, to show how his actions affected Maria and how he justified them to himself.”
The film does not shy away from depicting Brando’s complicity in Schneider’s mistreatment, but it also seeks to understand the broader context of his behavior. In one scene, Brando tells Bertolucci, “We’re making art. She’ll thank us later,” a line that underscores the toxic mindset that often justifies exploitation in the name of creativity.
Jessica Palud’s Vision: A Feminist Reckoning
Director Jessica Palud, known for her work on Rebellion and The Last Diamond, brings a feminist lens to Being Maria, framing Schneider’s story as a cautionary tale about the abuse of power in Hollywood. “This isn’t just a film about Maria,” Palud said. “It’s about all the women who have been silenced, exploited, and erased by an industry that prioritizes art over humanity.”
Palud’s direction is both intimate and expansive, using close-ups to capture Schneider’s emotional turmoil and wide shots to emphasize her isolation. The film’s visual style, with its muted color palette and haunting score, creates a sense of unease that mirrors Schneider’s experience.
The Trailer: A Glimpse into the Film’s Power
The trailer for Being Maria has already made waves, offering a tantalizing preview of the film’s emotional intensity. Scenes of Schneider on set, her face a mask of fear and confusion, are intercut with moments of her fighting to reclaim her voice. “I’m not your puppet,” she declares in one powerful moment, a line that resonates as both a personal statement and a broader critique of the industry.
The trailer also hints at the film’s exploration of Schneider’s life beyond Last Tango in Paris, including her relationships, her struggles with addiction, and her eventual decision to speak out about her experiences.
The Broader Context: A Story That Still Resonates
More than 50 years after the release of Last Tango in Paris, Schneider’s story remains painfully relevant. The #MeToo movement has brought renewed attention to the abuses of power in Hollywood, and Being Maria arrives at a time when the industry is grappling with its legacy of exploitation.
“Maria’s story is a reminder that the fight for consent and respect is far from over,” Palud said. “I hope this film sparks conversations about how we treat artists, especially young women, and how we can create a safer, more equitable industry.”
Conclusion: Honoring Maria Schneider’s Legacy
Being Maria is more than just a biopic—it’s a tribute to Maria Schneider’s courage and resilience. By shedding light on her experiences, the film seeks to honor her legacy while challenging the systems that allowed her mistreatment to occur.
For fans of cinema, Being Maria promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of art, exploitation, and the human cost of creativity. And for those who remember Maria Schneider, it’s a chance to see her story told with the empathy and respect she deserved.