The soundtrack for “Last Tango in Paris” (1972), composed by Argentine saxophonist Gato Barbieri, is one of the most iconic works in cinematic history, perfectly capturing the emotions and themes of this controversial masterpiece by Bernardo Bertolucci. The film, brilliantly acted by Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, delves into desire, pain, and loneliness through an intensely physical and clandestine relationship between two strangers in Paris. Barbieri's music is a blend of sensuality, melancholy, and passion, encapsulating the essence of the film in every note. The saxophone, the soundtrack's central instrument, becomes the voice of the protagonists' anguish and vulnerability, with a sound oscillating between lyrical beauty and raw intensity. The main theme, marked by a haunting and deeply evocative melody, intertwines jazz with Latin American influences, reflecting Barbieri’s artistic identity.

A distinctive feature of the soundtrack is its ability to convey a sense of intimacy and emotional tension. The pieces, while often delicate, do not lack intensity, perfectly complementing the film’s most dramatic and visceral scenes. Barbieri uses jazz not as mere entertainment but as an emotional language, capable of expressing the unsaid, the silences, and the contradictions of the protagonists.

The soundtrack, aside from being a musical success in its own right, is an integral part of Bertolucci's narrative. The music amplifies the sense of disorientation and alienation that pervades the film, making it even more powerful and unforgettable.