American Gigolo (1980)

If there is one film that excavates the American soul it is ... ah well, nevermind. If you like sleazy movies (with a splash of neo-noir aesthetics) from the eighties, this is for you. Richard Gere plays the prostitute who is framed in a murder case. Don't expect a spiritual journey. Expect nice beach views, homophobic gestures (or maybe that is up to interpretation - the main character may be a closeted gay guy) and Blondie on the stereo. What is interesting here is of course how this kind of movie takes another path than Pretty Woman, even though the trade looks pretty glamorous here as well. He drives fancy cars and plays the game the best he can, without having much of a clue most of the time - this character is simply a tad bit stupid. The difference with the traditional movie about female prostitutes is that this fellow is always somehow in control, even when he is not. His job might be tough at times (going with customers whom he despises) but he never appears humiliated (as is often the case in these traditional representations of the prostitute) and when he is starting to be seen that way, the director makes sure to transform him into an active subject that is indignant and who, even when he crawls to his pimp with his tail between his legs, preserves some kind of Cool. Richard Gere's character is a lonely and cold figure, and it is hard to take anything he says and does as anything else than self-deception. The audience is supposed to be a bit shocked by the gigolo's apparent interest, which goes beyond the professional, or that is what it to look like, in older women.  - - - The film's take on mature, female desire? Absolutely repellent. The perspective of the film is that these poor, wrinkled ladies should be a bit thankful that they have the attention of a beautiful younger male, regardless of the fact that they pay good money for these little adventures. I guess, morally, this film is an insult to anybody. Beyond that - it works pretty well, if American Kitsch is your thing (it certainly is mine).