Exploring the Heart-Wrenching Truth in ‘Being Maria’: A Review of the Muse’s Story
When delving into the challenging subject of abuse, filmmakers often grapple with a profound question: should they depict violence explicitly, or should they choose to tread lightly around it? The balance between shedding light on harsh realities and avoiding exploitation is a delicate one, and Jessica Palud’s ‘Being Maria’ boldly chooses the former.
The Story Behind ‘Being Maria’
‘Being Maria’ offers a poignant biographical depiction of Maria Schneider, a French actress forever etched in cinematic history for her role as Marlon Brando’s enigmatic mistress in “Last Tango in Paris.” What transpired on set during the filming of that controversial scene is a narrative laden with both vulnerability and violation.
In 1972, during the filming of a harrowing sex scene, the then 19-year-old Schneider was subjected to an unexpected and invasive act by Brando, with the complicity of director Bernardo Bertolucci. Brando improvised — without Schneider’s prior knowledge — using a stick of butter in a moment that blurred the lines between performance and violation. This unconsented act unfolds painfully on screen, bringing to life the shocking depths of Schneider’s experience.
Recreating Trauma: A Challenging Watch
Viewer discretion is advised, as ‘Being Maria’ meticulously recreates this pivotal scene. Anamaria Vartolomei, in her portrayal of Schneider, radiates a spectrum of emotions — from shock and discomfort to fear and shame. The close-ups are distressing, forcing the audience to share in Schneider’s turmoil. Following the scene, Brando, played by Matt Dillon, appears visibly rattled, while Bertolucci, embodied by Giuseppe Maggio, remains unapologetic, insisting that the scene must evoke intensity.
This film does not shy away from the consequences of such trauma; rather, it grapples with the psychological scars that linger long after the cameras stop rolling.
A Journey Through Sorrow and Struggle
‘Being Maria’ is loosely adapted from Vanessa Schneider’s memoir, “My Cousin Maria Schneider.” The film, however, does not dwell excessively on the film set’s atmosphere, choosing instead to journey alongside Maria as she grapples with her tumultuous life in the decade following her life-changing role.
The score, crafted by Benjamin Biolay, adds a somewhat saccharine layer to the narrative, yet the overall mood remains sobering. As the film weaves through Schneider’s struggles with addiction, nights lost in discothèques, and experiences on various movie sets, Vartolomei’s performance serves as a haunting guide — revealing the character’s underlying anxieties and fragility.
A Portrait of Resilience Amidst Chaos
What emerges from this cinematic tapestry is a haunting portrayal of a woman striving for autonomy amidst her turbulent landscape. The film, at times, feels meandering, which could symbolize Schneider’s own feeling of disarray. Nevertheless, it effectively conveys the essence of her struggle — she is a woman sleepwalking through life, endlessly battling against the shadows of her past in an attempt to reclaim her narrative.
‘Being Maria’
- Not Rated
- In French, with English subtitles
- Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Now playing in theaters
In a time when discussions around consent and representation in film are paramount, ‘Being Maria’ bravely confronts uncomfortable truths, inviting viewers to engage with Schneider’s story on a deeply emotional level. It’s a cinematic experience that deserves both attention and reflection, illuminating the often-hidden struggles of a muse behind the spotlight.
For those intrigued by the intersection of art, trauma, and resilience, this film is not one to miss. Explore the multifaceted layers of Maria Schneider’s life, and bear witness to the raw reality that artists often face in their pursuit of truth and expression.
