In society the topic of escorts is rather taboo, but probably one of the oldest professions known. Something that questions morality and dignity of an individual, in the cinema world it has been depicted in many ways through the years. Often dark, cautionary tales, there are many that studied women escorts, but seldom men. However, in 1980 a film called American Gigolo emerged and provoked varying reactions.
The work of Paul Schrader, prior to writing and directing American Gigolo he had made a name for himself penning the script for Martin Scorsese’s 1976 classic Taxi Driver, plus John Flynn’s 1977 film Rolling Thunder. From here, he dove into directing, attracting a lot of positive attention in 1978 with Blue Collar, on his way to create something new with American Gigolo. With this new project he created a character named Julian Kay; a highly sexual young man dedicated to giving pleasure, but never knowing how to receive it. The irony is that Julian Kay, while seemingly sleek and smooth on the surface, is actually buried within an abyss of loneliness.
An interesting character, Julian Kay is a high-end escort who dresses in designer suits, is trained in how to present himself, and strikes the interest of many very wealthy, mature ladies. Ultimately his muted charm finds him attracting the attention of Michelle Stratton; a gorgeous woman who seems to have more than just a yearning to hire him for a one night stand. Really a developing romance, what transpires in-between it all are events that could find Julian in prison for a murder he did not commit.
A relatively straight-forward story, where American Gigolo stands out is the style in everything from the wardrobe to the real-life settings in and around the Los Angeles, CA area. Moreover, the filming style certainly has a noir vibe, and because of this darkness, makes it quite alluring. This in mind, American Gigolo emerged in theaters on February 1, 1980 through Paramount Pictures, was produced by the famed Jerry Bruckheimer, and had a very mixed reaction. Some critics praised it, while others not so much; dubbing the characters empty and unlikeable. In hindsight this is rather ironic, because fast-forward forty-plus years later, and the vast majority of motion pictures are riddled with completely vacuous characters, and in truth, American Gigolo’s Julian Kay is full of depth.
Portrayed by Richard Gere, interestingly enough the role was originally casted to John Travolta who backed out allegedly because he wanted final cut approval, but was not given it. An interesting turn of events, the role of Julian Kay was also offered to Christoper Reeves, as well as Chevy Chase. Nonetheless, Gere was there in the end, and some may say the performance launched him into superstardom as a leading actor. Going on to many big films, Gere would sustain himself a major male sex symbol from here and throughout the ‘80s era. Honestly doing a sensational job as Julian Kay, some of the biggest surprises in American Gigolo include full frontal nudity by Gere. Something never seen in Hollywood to this point from a man, but often with women, it was a poignant statement about double standards.
Opposite Gere you have famed fashion model Lauren Hutton (known for many film roles including 1974’s The Gambler, as well as 1985’s Once Bitten) portraying Michelle Stratton. Also, not the first selection for her character, with other considerations included Jessica Lange and Merly Streep, inevitably, you could not imagine anyone but Hutton as Michelle Stratton. Together, Gere and Hutton create a believable chemistry that strikes interest and keeps the pace flowing. Furthermore, the film’s effectiveness is bookended by the leading song “Call Me.” Performed and co-written by Blondie’s Debbie Harry, it was created specifically with the film in mind; going on to become the highest-selling single of 1980 in the United States, and earning a Grammy nomination in 1981.
All of this history behind American Gigolo, it has aged as a highly regarded feature film that certainly deserves revisiting, or if you have never seen it, discovery for the first time. Widely available in various formats through the decades, now in 2024 is a chance to experience American Gigolo in 4K. Marking the first global release of the film in 4K UHD, it was made available as a limited-edition release from Arrow Video on June 18th with plenty in tow.
First and foremost, the 4K remaster from the original negative commissioned by Arrow Films is top notch and presents the film in the most clarified format you probably have ever seen. Complete with more vibrant colors, it is worth it for these visual aspects alone. Beyond this, the set also includes a list of brand-new interviews with everyone from Paul Schrader to film stars Héctor Elizondo, Bill Duke, as well as those behind the scenes, like Editor Richard Halsey, Camera Operator King Baggot, and more. Rather cool that this many years later new perspectives can be offered, bringing it all together is a solid packaging which includes new artwork, as well as the original artwork, a double-sided poster, as well as an illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Neil Sinyard, an archival article by Bill Nichols, and original pressbook materials.
In the end, the new 4K UHD limited edition Blu-ray of American Gigolo from Arrow Video is worth every penny. It is comprehensive, well put together, and ultimately highlights a period of filmmaking that seemingly has dissipated into time. That is why Cryptic Rock recommends this new release, giving it 5 out of 5 stars.
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