Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Julian makes a lucrative living as an escort to older women in the Los Angeles area. He begins a relationship with Michelle, a local politician's wife, without expecting any pay. One of his clients is murdered and Detective Sunday begins pumping him for details on his different clients, something he is reluctant to do considering the nature of his work. Julian begins to suspect he's being framed. Meanwhile Michelle begins to fall in love with him.
American Gigolo is best remembered for its sleek, stylized cinematography by John Bailey under Paul Schrader's direction — the Los Angeles of designer suits, minimal interiors, and cool alienation is rendered with genuine visual distinction. Richard Gere's performance is iconic in its narcissistic blankness, though the supporting cast is uneven and the emotional depth is somewhat surface-level. The plot is a serviceable noir-ish mystery but the framing device feels underdeveloped and the resolution is abrupt and emotionally unconvincing — the ending in particular feels rushed and unearned. Novelty-wise it occupies an interesting space between Bresson influence and glossy 80s style but doesn't fully transcend its genre. Giorgio Moroder's synth score adds atmosphere but also dates the film noticeably.