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Actors are often lauded for their striking performances or contributions to the industry, but some become immortalized due to their works. Marlon Brando is one such name who is considered to have revolutionized acting and the entertainment industry.
The Godfatheractor was as phenomenal onscreen as he was controversial off it. Matt Dillon got the golden opportunity to step into the shoes of his senior but soon came to regret his choice. However, theAmerican Dreamerstar didn’t shy away from the role due to the actor’s tricky past. Rather, it was his legacy that made things challenging.
The reason behind the hesitation: Not the past
Marlon Brandocreated waves in Hollywood, charming the audience with his god-like looks and moving performances. TheA Streetcar Named Desireactor had innumerable hits, but his personal life was embroiled in controversies.
Jessica Palud’sBeing Mariadelicately explored the life ofMaria Schneider, particularly while she was working onBernardo Bertolucci‘s feature filmLast Tango in Paris. Brando was her co-star in that 1972 film and the film highlighted a specific incident that involved the two.
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Matt Dillonwas cast to portray the elusive actor and he accomplished his task phenomenally. But theAsteroid Cityactor wasn’t without fears, and the heavy weight of theViva Zapata!actor’s legacy made the role extremely challenging.
I liked the script and thought the depiction was fair and honest. Later on, I was like, ‘You idiot! Why did you choose to do this?’ He is probably one of the most interesting people of the 20th century so it was difficult, but I liked the challenge.
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The character seemed to be tough at first since he was supposed to depict a real-life Hollywood legend, but Dillon wasn’t one to back down.
At the Thessaloniki Film Festival (via Variety), the actor spoke about his role.
I can identify somewhat with being a young person, not really having agency over what you’re doing, what you’re able to say and setting boundaries… I was very moved by the performance of Anamaria Vartolomei in the film and very proud to have been a part of this.
He spoke about the real-life incident which involved Brando enacting a r*pe scene with the then-young actress for the 1972 film. While Dillon sympathized with Schneider’s plight, he also defended the movie which he considered a masterpiece.
The man behind the curtains: Troubled life of the star
The event that the biographical drama film explored involved a confession from Schneider post her role as Jeanne in the feature film. In an older interview from 2007 (via Variety), she put forth a shocking claim.
[The scene] wasn’t in the original script. I felt humiliated and to be honest, I felt a little r*ped, both by Marlon and by Bertolucci. After the scene, Marlon didn’t console me or apologize.
The then-19-year-old actress felt cheated due to the invasive scene and confessed that she felt violated.
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The traumatic experience cemented in her mind which did not ease even after she achieved stardom through the role.
I enjoy identifying and pushing the right emotional buttons of women—which usually means making them feel that they are of value to me and offering them security for themselves and their children.
TheOn the Waterfrontstar boldly confessed his actions in his memoir,Brando: Songs My Mother Taught Me,also co-written by Robert Lindsey (via Vanity Fair). He highlighted several tales from his childhood, mentioning his wild and rebellious nature.
Fans may also recall the iconic actor’s numerous alleged affairs and his multiple marriages. However, Brando refused to discuss the notable women in his life in the autobiography though he did confess to his questionable behavior.
Being Mariais scheduled to be available on Netflix on 30 July 2025.
Shruti Pathak
Articles Published :286
An entertainment writer with a passion for storytelling that transcends genres, Shruti Pathak is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is also a devoted poetry enthusiast, exploring the beauty of language and emotion through verse. Obsessed with the show Friends, a self-proclaimed swiftie, and inspired by classical literature these are just some characteristics that describe the novice writer. Newly joining FandomWire as an intern writer, she hopes to share her thoughts while sharpening her writing skills on various entertainment topics.
