Films about gigolos delve into the lives of male escorts who provide companionship and intimacy for payment. These movies often explore themes of love, lust, societal norms, personal identity, and the human condition through the lens of characters engaged in this profession. While some take a comedic approach, others present dramatic narratives, offering insight into the complexities of relationships and the varied motivations behind choosing the gigolo lifestyle. Here are several films that center around the lives of gigolos:
“American Gigolo”, 1980
Director: Paul Schrader
This film features Richard Gere as Julian Kaye, a high-end male escort in Los Angeles who becomes entangled in a murder investigation. As he tries to clear his name, the movie delves into issues of loneliness, love, and the quest for authenticity in a superficial world.
Starring: Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton, Hector Elizondo, Nina Van Pallandt, Bill Duke, Brian Davies, K Callan, Tom Stewart, Patricia Carr, David Cryer;
Production year: 1980;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “American Gigolo” on the website imdb.com
“Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo”, 1999
Director: Mike Mitchell
A comedic take on the life of a gigolo, this film stars Rob Schneider as Deuce Bigalow, a fish tank cleaner who turns into a male escort by accident. Packed with humor and improbable scenarios, it explores Deuce's misadventures as he tries to navigate his newfound profession.
Starring: Rob Schneider, William Forsythe, Eddie Griffin, Arija Bareikis, Oded Fehr, Gail O'Grady, Richard Riehle, Jacqueline Obradors, Big Boy, Amy Poehler;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo” on the website imdb.com
“Hung”, 2009
Director: Daniel Attias, Bronwen Hughes, Uta Briesewitz, Adam Davidson
Although not a film but a TV series, “Hung” features Thomas Jane as Ray Drecker, a struggling high school coach and teacher who turns to gigolo work to solve his financial woes, set against the backdrop of Detroit's economic recession. The series is a blend of comedy and drama, exploring themes of desperation, identity, and human connection.
Starring: Thomas Jane, Jane Adams, Charlie Saxton, Sianoa Smit-McPhee, Anne Heche, Rebecca Creskoff, Gregg Henry, Eddie Jemison, Lennie James, Marylouise Burke;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, comedy;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“The Men's Club”, 1986
Director: Peter Medak
This film is about a group of middle-aged men who regularly meet up to discuss their sexual escapades, among them being a gigolo. It explores themes of midlife crisis, friendship, and the search for meaning beyond conventional lifestyles.
Starring: David Dukes, Richard Jordan, Harvey Keitel, Frank Langella, Roy Scheider, Craig Wasson, Treat Williams, Stockard Channing, Gina Gallego, Cindy Pickett;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,7;
More information about the film “The Men's Club” on the website imdb.com
“Fading Gigolo”, 2013
Director: John Turturro
Written, directed by, and starring John Turturro, alongside Woody Allen, this film tells the story of Fioravante, who decides to become a professional gigolo as a way to make money quick, with Allen's character acting as his manager. The movie is a light-hearted look at sex and companionship, and the unexpected emotions that arise from such transactions.
Starring: John Turturro, Woody Allen, Vanessa Paradis, Liev Schreiber, Sharon Stone, Sofía Vergara, Abe Altman, Michael Badalucco, Bob Balaban, M'Barka Ben Taleb;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
“Midnight Cowboy”, 1969
Director: John Schlesinger
One of the most iconic films touching on the theme of gigolos, it stars Jon Voight as Joe Buck, a young Texan who moves to New York, hoping to make a living as a male prostitute. Along with Dustin Hoffman, as Ratso Rizzo, the film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver, Brenda Vaccaro, Barnard Hughes, Ruth White, Jennifer Salt, Gilman Rankin, Gary Owens;
Production year: 1969;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Midnight Cowboy” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a variety of perspectives on the life of a gigolo, ranging from humorous and light-hearted to introspective and dramatic, providing insight into human relationships and societal norms.
In concluding our exploration of films about gigolos, it becomes evident that this genre, though seemingly niche, offers a broad spectrum of insights into human relationships, society's evolving standards on sexuality and companionship, and the often-blurred lines between emotional fulfillment and financial transactions. From the comedic undertones of “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo” to the riveting drama of “American Gigolo,” the cinematic journey through the lives of gigolos not only entertains but also provokes thought on the changing dynamics of love, power, and autonomy. These films, each in their unique way, delve into the complexities of the human heart and the societal pressures that shape our views on morality, desire, and the inextricable link between love and commerce. By showcasing the life of a gigolo through various lenses, filmmakers offer audiences not just a portrait of an individual, but a reflection of our society's shifting values and the eternal search for connection in an often disconnected world.
