American Gigolo

While "American Gigolo" is certainly not Schrader's best film as either a writer or director (it screams of an artist trying desperate to go mainstream while still attempting to maintain the edge that made him noticeable in the first place), it is still an interesting signpost of the early 1980s. ... Full Review

But the film " American Gigolo " is a stylish and surprisingly poignant handling of this material. The whole movie has a winning sadness about it; take away the story's sensational aspects and what you have is a study in loneliness. ... Full Review

With some audiences reportedly showing up for repeat viewings of Gere's seductive charms, it became a moderate hit, turning Gere into a star and Armani into the new fashion sensation. But it all falls apart after he does a favor for his former pimp (Bill Duke) and the trick turns up dead a short while later; Julian's actual client won't give him an alibi, and police detective Sunday (Hector Elizondo) doesn't believe the gigolo's denials. ... Full Review

American Gigolo works remarkably well as a penetrating character study, a touching romantic tale, and an involving mystery. Paul Schraders American Gigolo is a small masterpiece at depicting the pain and loneliness and stressing the inherent need for emotional connections. ... Full Review