Sunday, February 19, 2012

An American in Paris (1951)

 
Director:  Vincente Minnelli
Cast:  Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary, Nina Foch

Narrowly avoided missing this gem by waking up fifteen minutes before it started. -.-

THE PLOT:  Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) is an ex-GI who has traveled to Paris to study and paint.  His best friend (who isn't really a best friend because he only appears in about five scenes), Adam Cook (Oscar Levant), is a lonely concert pianist.  Jerry falls for Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron), who is getting married to Jerry and Adam's mutual friend Henri (Georges Guetary).

In the beginning, Jerry starts to date Milo Roberts (Nina Foch).  When Milo and Jerry go out one night, Jerry falls head over heels in love with Lise.  They begin to date until one night, Lise tells Jerry that she's getting married.  Jerry then pulls a Gene Kelly (WOW!) and runs into the arms of Milo.  They go to a costume party and Jerry sees Lise with Henri.  After a beautiful and visually stunning dream sequence, the two are reunited and the movie ends.

THE REVIEW:  That dream sequence...WOW!  Very beautiful.  And the masculinity of Gene's dancing...*swoon*

I do have one question for you, though:  do you think Oscar Levant's role should have been bigger?  I do, with all my heart.



All in all, a great film, but not as wonderfully entertaining as SITR.  4.5 out of 5 stars.

Trailer:
              

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