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.
During the scene she did not stop laughing and so Mr. Fagioli said to her, "You idiot! Laugh less and suck!"