Being Maria
Directed by Jessica Palud
Maria Schneider (Anamaria Vartolomei) is a promising, young French actress. When she gets the lead in a feature film directed by an acclaimed Italian filmmaker and starring one of America’s most beloved actors, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Her collaborators, director Bernardo Bertolucci and star Marlon Brando (Matt Dillon) seem to be bringing out the best in Maria, sharing a warm rapport and mentorship with the 19-year old girl. Until one day, when the two men conspire to shoot a crucial sex scene as a harrowing assault without letting Maria in on the plan. The film goes on to be lauded as a fearless artistic breakthrough, but for Maria, it’s the beginning of a living hell. Based on the behind-the-scenes true story of the making of Last Tango in Paris, Jessica Palud’s sensitive biopic centers Maria’s story for the first time.
Reviews
“Highly recommended: Being Maria, Jessica Palud’s spare, ferocious account of Maria Schneider’s career and life – of how the making of Last Tango in Paris was the unmaking of its great actress.”
“A fascinating look at the turbulent life of actor Maria Schneider. A cautionary tale... [that] resonates because the central topic is so of the moment.”
"Anamaria Vartolomei gives an edgy, delicate performance."
“More relevant than ever. Anamaria Vartolomei is utterly convincing in the role of Maria Schneider.”
“Poignant... Matt Dillon is terrific.”
“Director Jessica Palud approaches the material with great empathy but also honesty.”
“The film advocates for Schneider, taking the spotlight away from Last Tango in Paris’s male artists and deservedly repositioning it on the woman who has too long been overlooked.”
“Jessica Palud’s biopic manages to achieve the impossible: it reclaims her power. Maria would have been proud of Being Maria.”
