Paul Schrader’s American Gigolo was released on Feb. 1, 1980 and remains a stylish and provocative exploration of sex, power, and the seductive underbelly of Los Angeles. Richard Gere delivers a captivating performance as Julian Kaye, a high-priced escort navigating the glamorous and dangerous world of the wealthy elite.
Following an assignment where he was sent by Leon (Bill Duke) to Palm Springs, Kaye becomes involved with Michelle Stratton (Lauren Hutton), the wife of a California senator, after they meet at a upscale hotel bar.
Kaye then discovers he has been set up for murder from his trip to Palm Springs and is now the prime suspect for LAPD vice squad Detective Sunday (Hector Elizondo).
The film is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond capturing the sun-drenched glamour and shadowy underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles.
Giorgio Moroder’s iconic synth-driven Golden Globe-nominated score perfectly complements the film’s stylish aesthetic.
Beyond the surface glamour, American Gigolo delves into themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaning in a materialistic world. Julian, despite his materialistic success, remains a deeply isolated figure, yearning for genuine human connection.
Richard Gere in American Gigolo (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for American Gigolo
American Gigolo opened at No. 1 with a gross of $3.6 million. The film grossed $22.7 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half out of four stars in his review, saying “The whole movie has a winning sadness about it; take away the story’s sensational aspects and what you have is a study in loneliness.”
Gene Siskel also gave the film three and a half out of four stars and called it “an honest, compelling drama that sheds a little light in some beguilingly dark places.”
There was reboot in the form of a Showtime series starring Jon Bernthal in 2022 that ran for one season.
Legacy
American Gigolo is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. It’s a stylish and thought-provoking film that offers a fascinating glimpse into the dark side of the American dream.
