Friday, October 17, 2008

Movie Review: Gigi (1958)

This movie is recommended for anyone who liked My Fair Lady, but wished that it sucked. And was in French.

Gigi is the story of a bored French dude named Gaston (Louis Jourdan... hubba hubba) who falls in love with the girl that is being groomed to be his mistress (Leslie Caron). Ah, the French and their moral dilemnas! Poor Gaston. What in the world is he to do?

Here's another beautifully shot movie by Vincent Minelli that doesn't deliver in the musical category. Each song is spoken, rather than sung. Every song. There is not one dance number, despite Caron's dancing abilities. The most famous song, "Thank Heaven For Little Girls" is one that I've always thought was rather sweet. But sung by an old man in a park to a bunch of strangers, it comes off as more of a pedophile's anthem. I also really like "I Remember It Well," but not when it's spoken. It takes about an hour and 45 minutes for the plot to thicken. If you do watch it (don't), then I'd recommend watching it with subtitles. That's a lie. I recommend watching it on mute and enjoying the lovely tour of Paris.

Fast forward moment: Gaston's songs. I'll save you the trouble--HE'S BORED.

Grade: D

Rewind that! moment: I'd love to know what others think of this song. Creepy or sweet?

4 Wisecracks:

Jess said...

Oh, I am so glad I'm not the only person to dislike this "classic." I am not sure what to think of the opening number- it does seem really creepy.

Kate said...

Definitely creepy- even as a kid I was little weirded out by it. I have never liked this one and I really love Paris. Gigi had such potential and is such a flop.

allyn said...

i have never seen this film, but i have seen that man in another ridiculous film "monkeys go home" ( i did not purchase this movie...aron's grandma gave it to one of my children. don't judge me). he sings weird songs on that one, too.
the lyrics to this one are a bit off; little girls get bigger every day. where is that going?
thank you for viewing and reviewing this one so that i did not have to.
YOU'RE THE BEST!

Unknown said...

Love your Ogden Nash poem, Melissa.