Controversial as the first major film in recent memory to feature a well-known, mainstream actress performing an unsimulated sex act on screen. Maruschka Detmers later expressed some regret at the scene because she said it overshadowed her other accomplishments.
The oral sex scene between Maruschka Detmers and Federico Pitzalis wasn't part of the script. It was Massimo Fagioli, a Marco Bellocchio's collaborator, who suggested it. Maruschka says she accepted to shoot it because she had now merged into the character and that for Giulia it was a moment of absolute intensity. She recalls that she and her co-star were left alone with the camera shooting. Director, operator and Mr. Fagioli were out waiting for the event.
In 1986, a court case was heard to decide the paternity of the film. In the hearings, Marco Bellocchio charged his producer, Leo Pescarolo, with making significant and unacceptable changes to the film. Pescarolo defended his position by attacking the presence and influence of Bellocchio's analyst, Massimo Fagioli, in the phases of shooting and editing.
During the whole production of the film, Marco Bellocchio was working alongside his psychoanalyst, Massimo Fagioli, and turning him for on-set advice, particularly in relation to the psychological behavior of central characters.
Is dedicated to Massimo Fagioli.