American Gigolo Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fancy male prostitute gets framed for murder but don’t worry, he’s got a politician’s wife on speed dial to save the day!

🍿 American Gigolo: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Julian Kaye

Julian Kaye lives a luxurious life as a high-end male escort in Los Angeles, catering to wealthy older women. He is fluent in multiple languages, impeccably dressed, and drives a Mercedes convertible, symbolizing his success. Julian prides himself on his ability to provide pleasure and companionship to his clients, often neglected by their husbands.

Entanglement with Michelle Stratton

During one of his encounters, Julian meets Michelle Stratton, the wife of a prominent politician, Senator Charles Stratton. Despite an initial professional interaction, a genuine connection forms between them, leading to an affair. Their relationship provides Michelle with an escape from her emotionally detached marriage, while Julian begins to experience something more than just transactional intimacy.

Accusation of Murder

Julian’s life takes a dark turn when one of his clients, Judy Rheiman, is found murdered after a session arranged by a pimp named Leon. Detective Joe Sunday begins investigating Julian, who quickly becomes the prime suspect. Julian finds himself unable to provide a solid alibi, as discretion is paramount in his profession, and his wealthy clients are unwilling to come forward and risk their reputations.

Desperate Search for the Truth

As evidence mounts against him, Julian becomes increasingly desperate to prove his innocence. He suspects he’s being framed and begins a frantic search to uncover the truth, navigating a treacherous web of deceit and betrayal. With his reputation ruined and his livelihood threatened, Julian finds himself isolated and vulnerable, relying only on his wits and instincts.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Julian (Richard Gere): A charismatic and stylish male escort in Los Angeles whose life unravels when he’s framed for a murder he didn’t commit.
• Michelle (Lauren Hutton): A politician’s wife who seeks solace and connection with Julian, ultimately risking everything to provide him with an alibi.
• Sunday (Hector Elizondo): The determined and observant detective investigating the murder, suspecting Julian’s involvement.
• Leon (Bill Duke): A pimp and acquaintance of Julian who provides him with a job that leads to the murder and subsequent framing.
• Anne (Nina van Pallandt): Julian’s former employer and mentor in the escort business, who is initially supportive but ultimately abandons him.
• Charles Stratton (Brian Davies): A politician and Michelle’s husband, whose career is threatened by his wife’s affair with Julian.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Julian: “You forgot one thing. I don’t do credit.” – Julian says this to Anne, highlighting his business-like approach to his profession as a male escort.
• Leon: “Because you were framable. You’ve stepped on too many toes. Nobody ever cared about you. I never even liked you much myself.” – Leon reveals to Julian why he was chosen to be framed for the murder, exposing the lack of genuine connections in Julian’s life.
• Julian: “We’re very expensive.” – Julian’s reply to Michelle when she asks about his services, underscoring his high-end status.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,800,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,743,674
• Worldwide Gross: $22,745,134

💥 American Gigolo Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie for the first time and being captivated by Richard Gere’s performance. The way he carried himself, the clothes, the car – it was pure 80s cool. While the plot got a little confusing at times, I was really drawn into his character’s struggle and the relationship with Lauren Hutton’s character. The music really set the mood, and the ending, though a bit cliché, left me feeling satisfied. Definitely a film that stuck with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir and crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies”
  • “Those who appreciate 1980s style and culture”
  • “Fans of Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Stylish and atmospheric, ‘American Gigolo’ transcends its pulpy premise with strong performances from Gere and Hutton. Schrader’s direction is taut, creating a sense of unease and tension that lingers long after the credits roll. A classic of the neo-noir genre.
• Roger Ebert: “While visually striking and featuring a memorable soundtrack, ‘American Gigolo’ suffers from a somewhat convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. Gere delivers a compelling performance, but the film ultimately feels more like a fashion statement than a deep exploration of morality.
• The New York Times: “A stylish but ultimately hollow thriller. ‘American Gigolo’ relies heavily on its atmosphere and Gere’s charisma, but fails to deliver a truly compelling story. The film’s exploration of class and sexuality feels superficial, leaving the viewer wanting more.

Audience Reactions

Richard Gere’s performance as Julian is mesmerizing and captivating.: Viewers are captivated by the film’s blend of style, suspense, and romance.

The soundtrack, especially ‘Call Me,’ perfectly captures the film’s mood.: Audiences appreciate the music and how it enhances the overall viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: ‘American Gigolo’ is a stylish and atmospheric neo-noir thriller that benefits from Richard Gere’s compelling performance and a memorable soundtrack, though some find the plot and characters underdeveloped.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Travolta was originally cast as Julian Kaye, but he turned down the role due to disagreements with director Paul Schrader regarding final cut approval. Travolta allegedly kept the Armani suits that were specially tailored for him for the film.”
• “Giorgio Moroder’s score, featuring Blondie’s ‘Call Me,’ was heavily influential in shaping the film’s style and is considered one of the most iconic soundtracks of the 1980s.”
• “Director Paul Schrader sought to explore themes of loneliness, isolation, and the superficiality of high society in Los Angeles through the character of Julian Kaye.”

🖥️ How to Watch American Gigolo?

American Gigolo is currently available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD may also be available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed American Gigolo, you might like these similar films:

• Taxi Driver (1976): Both films explore themes of loneliness and alienation in urban environments, with protagonists operating on the fringes of society.
• Body Heat (1981): A neo-noir crime thriller with a similar emphasis on style, sexuality, and betrayal.
• Drive (2011): Features a similarly stylish and enigmatic protagonist navigating a criminal underworld in Los Angeles, with a focus on atmosphere and visual aesthetics.
• The Comfort of Strangers (1990): Also written by Paul Schrader, this film deals with themes of sexual obsession and moral corruption in a stylish European setting.

🛒 American Gigolo Related Products

• American Gigolo (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the iconic 80s soundscape with Giorgio Moroder’s synth-heavy score and Blondie’s unforgettable ‘Call Me.’ Available for digital download and streaming, this soundtrack is a must-have for fans of the film.
• Giorgio Armani Men’s Suits: Capture Julian’s elegance with this finely crafted and tailored suit. Designed for comfort and to deliver a luxurious, stylish finish to your outfits, make sure that you stand out in the crowd.
• Mercedes-Benz SL Diecast Model Car: This highly detailed diecast model car looks the same as the one that Richard Gere drives in the film. A perfect display for fans.
• American Gigolo Movie Poster Print: The iconic American Gigolo movie poster, capturing the essence of the stylish 80s neo-noir film. This poster will add a cool and sophisticated touch to your living room or bedroom wall, letting fans remember this classic.

🎧 Soundtrack

American Gigolo features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Call Me” – performed by Blondie
• “The Love I Saw in You Is Just a Mirage” – performed by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Richard Gere Destroyed His Career #Shorts

Ever wonder if a single movie can really make or break an actor’s career? This short video dives into how ‘American Gigolo’ *might* have impacted Richard Gere’s path – it’s a bold claim, but definitely worth a watch!

American Gigolo (1980) title sequence

The opening credits can really set the tone for a film, and ‘American Gigolo’ is no exception! Check out this analysis of the title sequence’s design – it’s amazing how much thought goes into those few minutes.

The Sound of 80s Movies

The 80s had such a distinct sound, especially in movies! This video essay examines how synths and composers like Giorgio Moroder (American Gigolo) defined the era. Honestly, it’s a nostalgic trip well worth taking!

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