Last Tango In Paris (1972)

The 1972 Bernardo Bertolucci film “Last Tango In Paris,” starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, was filmed in Paris, France. The opening scene takes place at Pont de Bir-Hakeim, a bridge that crosses the Seine and features a long pedestrian passage down the center, car lanes to the left and right and a train rail above. It has been featured in many films, such as “Inception,” “Elevator to the Gallows,” “Ronin,” “Forget Paris,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and more. Bertolucci even filmed here previously with “The Conformist.”

LOCATION: Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris, France

Paul and Jeanne, played by Brando and Schneider, play two strangers who pass one another in this area on a chance encounter. If the camera turned just a bit to the left, you would clearly see the Eiffel Tower from this spot.

The two, who do not exchange names, end up both trying to occupy the same apartment for lease at this building. The front entrance is seen a couple times in the film, both as they first arrive and after they silently go their separate ways as strangers after a sexual encounter. The sign on the building was altered to say “Rue Jules Verne” in the film. This is just over the stairs from Pont de Bir-Hakeim, where the film opens.

LOCATION: 1 Rue de l’Alboni, 75016 Paris, France

This angle is also seen in the film of the apartment.

This angle is seen as Paul and Jeanne once again go their separate ways.

In one shot, the camera pans up from Jeanne crossing the street, to Paul crossing the bridge, to the train passing above.

Jeanne is seen making calls from this building, which faces opposite the apartment entrance. The plants have since grown higher, obstructing the view seen in the film.

LOCATION: 16 Av. du Président Kennedy, 75016 Paris, France

Here is a clearer view of the building.

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