American Gigolo

Julian Kaye earns his living by servicing a string of wealthy women across Los Angeles, moving through nights of luxury and discreet favors. He begins a discreet romance with Michelle Stratton, the wife of a prominent local politician, a relationship that unfolds without any explicit compensation. One of his clients is found murdered, drawing the attention of Detective Sunday, who presses Julian for a detailed account of his various assignments. Julian resists sharing too much, wary of exposing a risky facet of his life, and he starts to fear that the police are using the case to trap him. Amid the pressure, Michelle discovers she genuinely cares for him. The film captures a sun-drenched yet morally murky city where wealth buys influence and danger lurks behind polished surfaces, forcing Julian to weigh personal survival against the dizzy allure of a life that never quite adds up.

Directed by Paul Schrader, American Gigolo arrived in 1980 as Schrader's move from screenwriting to directing a stylish crime drama. The film is based on an original screenplay by Schrader, produced on a modest budget.

The film proved financially successful, grossing about $52.7 million worldwide against a budget of $5 million. Its brisk box office performance helped establish Richard Gere as a leading man of cool, magnetic appeal and signaled Hollywood's interest in chic noir thrillers.

American Gigolo helped cement Richard Gere's screen persona as a suave, self-assured adventurer and became a touchstone for late 70s early 80s LA style. The film's sleek wardrobe, sunlit cityscapes, and a moody synth soundtrack contributed to pop culture, influencing fashion and crime dramas that followed.

Critics noted Schrader's precise direction and the way the movie pairs noir mood with a morally gray tale about sex work, desire, loyalty, and trust. The plot centers on appearances versus reality, power dynamics, and the price of glamor in Los Angeles.