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Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Oh, the French. The French have the language of love even though I heard they are a culture that has a major stick up their ass. We all know my favorite French actress….The one and only Eva Green. Dear Eva Green, you can speak French to me any day of the week, and I am all yours. You can take me now because I LOVE YOU. I will be your Pepé Le Pew and bound after you by giving you a ton of kisses.
Whoops, got off track there. Recently, I watched the film Gigi. Never heard of it until it showed up on my list. I was surprised by the accolades the film received. The film won all nine of its nominations at the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Minnelli. It was very rare for a movie to do a clean sweep of all its nominations and held on to it until 2004 when The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King won all eleven of its nominations. It also ranked number 35 on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Passions.
Directed by Vincente Minnelli, the film is set during the Belle Époque at the turn of the 20th century. Gigi (Caron) is training to be a courtesan or a highly educated and cultured woman in high society. The only thing is that Gigi acts more like a tomboy than anything else. Gigi is mentored by her grandmother, who raised her and her over-the-top Aunt Alicia. Both try their best to teach Gigi their ways of good manners and how to roll a cigar, but Gigi isn’t having any of it. She is good friends with Gaston (Jourdan), a wealthy aristocrat and playboy bored by the decadent but superficial world he inhabits. Gaston receives life advice from his charming, cheery, and youthful Uncle, Honore Lachaille (Chevalier). With Gigi growing up into a fine young woman and Gaston’s mistress being caught in a scandal, their friendship soon grows to love.
First, the story of Gigi reminded me a little bit of My Fair Lady. Taking place in another country, it is set around a girl becoming a woman, but I may be wrong. I just got the feeling that it was because the dude wasn’t interested in her before and then all of a sudden loved him some Gigi. That is the only similarities because this film is a little huh with some parts.
To me, Gigi was the second fiddle in this film. The main draw was Gaston and his exploits. Homeboy was a rolling stone, just like his uncle. Honore Lachaille was the biggest womanizer I have ever seen on screen, and he was just as charming as ever. Homeboy put Wilt Chamberlain to shame. As I was saying, Gaston was the primary focus. He would get around, but when his mistress fooled around on him, he was like I am done. This is where I gave a huh expression because Gaston’s mistress tried to commit suicide and failed. Gaston comes in a little distraught, and Honore straight up says, “you haven’t lived or doing it right unless you have two or three suicides in your name.” The scene where Honore and Gaston go into the club is funny. Everyone is gossiping, and when they roll in, they stop and start whispering. It’s funny because before they go, Honore states that no one gossips or talks. Straight-up lies!
The relationship between Gigi and Gaston grows when they play cards. Gigi cheats at it but is too good to get caught. For her reward, Gaston takes Gigi and her grandmother to the ocean. At the beach, Gigi and Gaston play in the ocean and really connect. Gaston realizes he is in love with Gigi. They go to some party, and Gigi is looking oh so fine. Even though some feelings are hurt, in the end, they get together, much to Honore’s surprise.
Since this is a musical, we have to talk about the songs. First, “Honoré’s Soliloquy” is a pretty good tune because he describes French culture. He explains what he likes about it and what he detests, but he has a way with words. The second song is “Thank Heaven for Little Girls,” which is sung by Maurice Chevalier. I saw that AFI ranked it as the #56 best song in cinema. It’s a little strange because the world has changed, and it makes you sound like a pedophile. I really like the song “It’s a bore.” That is how I feel about work. Everything is a bore, and sometimes you need excitement.
As far as the cast goes, they all did a great job, and some were more fun to watch than others. First, Leslie Caron as Gilberte “Gigi” was perfect. I really enjoyed her in this film. She played a tomboy so well and seemed to not care about being a lady. That transformation was something special. Straight up on par with My Fair Lady. She was beautiful and elegant.
Louis Jourdan as Gaston Lachaille was okay. I wasn’t impressed because he complained most of the time and didn’t know what he wanted. Also, how much older are you than Gigi? I tell you that times are different because you creeping on Gigi would put you in jail.
Maurice Chevalier as Honoré Lachaille was as entertaining as ever. Still played a womanizer, but at least homeboy went after older people. I was pleasantly surprised to see Chevalier. This was the person to go with when you need a charming Frenchman. I loved him in some other movies because he just seemed so charming.
Overall, Gigi is a good film to watch, and you will be entertained. It is that old-school musical with some memorable songs. The story is a little meh and will remind you of other musicals. There is also some triggering subject matter. The performances were good but nothing that will blow your mind. Give this musical when you are looking for something to watch.
