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Actors: Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron
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| Review Summary and Plot Commentary about An American in Paris |
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Jerry Mulligan (Kelly), a young American and World War II vet, stays on in Paris after the war, trying to make a living as a painter. Milo Roberts (Foch), a wealthy but possessive would-be patron, tries to take care of Jerry, but meanwhile he falls in love with Lise Bouvier (Caron), a young French girl engaged to a cabaret singer. While the romantic problems get worked out, Jerry hangs with his buddy Adam Cook, a dour musician who fantasizes about being a concert pianist. This 1951 film directed by Vincente Minnelli swept the Academy Awards, winning Oscars for best picture, screenplay, score, cinematography, art direction, set design, and a special award for its 18-minute fantasy ballet extravaganza that visually quotes Impressionist painters Dufy, Manet, Utrillo, Rousseau, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec. A rather flimsy story propped up by Gershwin melodies and lyrics by young Alan Jay Lerner long before he was to do Brigadoon, Gigi, My Fair Lady, and Camelot, the movie has not worn quite as well as "Singin' in the Rain" but is notable for the energy and verve of Kelly and Caron, and peppy color and sets.
--David Loftus, Resident Scholar
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It was 1951's Best Picture of the year winner, and small wonder. Combining the established talents of Gene Kelly and introducing Leslie Caron, Paris, the City of Lights,
was never this illuminating! Nor so danceable! Kelly is Jerry Mulligan, an American in Paris trying to establish himself as an artist in post World War II Paris. He meets Miss Caron and his paint brushes and easel are set aside, at least for the moment, as “true love could never be truer”! Alas, it seems she is destined to marry another, and Kelly sets out to work his magic. And work it he does. Who can forget the choreography and the dance
routines Kelly performs. Directed by Vincent Minnelli, the music is by George and Ira Gershwin. Enough said?
--Bill Hobbs, Resident Scholar
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| Analysis of An American in Paris |
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Time/era of movie:
- 1930's-1950's
Romance/Love/Hugging
Yes
Kind of romance:
- romance (general)
- love triangle/polygon
Job/Profession/Poverty Story?
Yes
Job:
- artist
Ethnic/Regional/Gender story?
Yes
Story of city/rural life?
- Big City
Culture clash?
- visiting a different culture
Culture of surrounding area:
- French
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- artist
Age:
- 20's-30's
Hair color?
- brunette (Black)
Hair type
- (man) short/standard straight
Body type
- (man) muscular
Ethnicity/Nationality
- White (American)
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor?
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
Secondary Main Character
Identity:
- Female
Hair color
- brunette (Brown)
How much in movie?
- 80%
Ethnicity/Nationality
- French
Main Adversary
- French
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Europe
Yes
European country:
- France
City?
Yes
Style
Accounts of torture and death?
- no torture/death
Any profanity?
- None
If lots of song/dance...
- lot of singing and dancing
If soundtrack VERY NOTICEABLE...
- Broadway musical
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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s). | |
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