Is The Gigolo Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1960)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The Gigolo, a standout production of 1960, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Romance, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Agathe Perrin, a wealthy widow in her forties, lives with her ailing father in an estate on the shores of Lac du Bourget, not far from Aix-les-Bains. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Romance, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Agathe Perrin, a wealthy widow in her forties, lives with her ailing father in an estate on the shores of Lac du Bourget, not far from Aix-les-Bains. For the past four years, she has been involved in an affair with a twenty-four-year-old artist, Jackie, that is beginning to weigh heavily on her. The frequent visits of a brilliant Aix doctor to the sick old man's bedside have distracted Agathe from her very young lover. She'd like to send him away, but he clings to her desperately, and we witness the drama of this break-up, both feared and rejected by Agathe. Blinded by jealousy, Jackie decides to leave, but not without behaving like a spoiled, insolent child."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Alida Valli provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Jacques Deray is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 95 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Gigolo truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Romance, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Gigolo explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1960 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jacques Deray respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Gigolo is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Alida Valli or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Gigolo is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.