Maria Schneider's Onscreen Agony Explored in 'Being Maria'

Jessica Palud's 'Being Maria' brings to light the controversial filming of 'Last Tango in Paris,' highlighting Maria Schneider's traumatic experiences. This biopic, starring Anamaria Vartolomei as Schneider, creates a poignant narrative that juxtaposes the actress's rise to fame with the personal costs of her career's defining moment. The film transfers us back to the time when Schneider, just 19, was thrust into an unscripted, distressing scene with Marlon Brando, overseen by director Bernardo Bertolucci. The infamous 'butter scene' is revealed to be a shocking ordeal for Schneider, who was kept uninformed of the scene's full extent, an approach Bertolucci took to capture 'raw' emotions. However, this method left Schneider feeling betrayed and violated, a sentiment that seems to define her subsequent struggles. 'Being Maria' attempts to delve beyond this scandal, painting Schneider's time under the spotlight and its aftereffects on her life, both personally and professionally. The film draws from her family relationships, particularly with her father, touching upon the complex dynamics that influenced her. Still, it seems these elements serve more as a backdrop to the larger drama of Schneider's traumatic filming experience. Moreover, Palud's direction does not shy away from showing the damaging impacts of the misogyny embedded in the film industry at the time, where young actresses' voices were often stifled. Through the lens of a biopic, 'Being Maria' asks difficult questions about artistic authenticity versus personal exploitation. It resonates particularly in the contemporary movement advocating for accountability and transparency within the entertainment industry. While it's clear on the film’s stance regarding the injustices Schneider faced, 'Being Maria' also critically engages viewers to reflect upon the roles various individuals play during an artist's journey under uneasy circumstances. Vartolomei's portrayal stands out, imbuing Schneider's pain and resilience with a palpable presence. Her performance reverberates with the lost potential Schneider could have realized had she been better protected during her career. The narrative strikes as both a testament to Maria Schneider's legacy and a critique of past norms that allowed such traumatic on-set experiences to happen, pressing the film industry to acknowledge its past. 'Being Maria' encourages viewers to grapple with these unresolved issues and Schneider's indelible place within cinematic history.