Review of Gigi (1958) by Matthew C — 13 Aug 2013

I don't like saying "I don't like" a film that is classic and old. I remembered the songs of this musical from my childhood but the story escaped me until revisiting it. Upon doing so I again love the songs and humor of watching these decadent rich and misguided French citizens of a century ago.

Chevalier is charming and irresistible no matter his occupation or beliefs, which in this case is not so good. My main problem with the film is that Jourdan doesn't have the commanding presence or give the winning performance he needs to in order to make me really care about him.

He's different from the rest and resents the lavish lifestyle he's expected to lead, which is good, but his love for Gigi is so so for me. Gigi, I don't really relate to, and why should I.

I didn't really get her predicament until someone told me and even then, I feel the movie failed in delivering a strong story of escape from such a lifestyle. Without a doubt, this movie did a lot of things right for me but I kept asking myself why do I care about these people, they're rich and careless and the emotion is forced.

I think I can appreciate what this movie is doing and how these characters change in their roles and their desires. For a love story, it's meh, for a story of class and culture, it is flawless but lifeless in many ways.

Just a rare example of an old movie that didn't hit me home. I want Gigi to have a better life, I want these French people to start caring about what's important, but I also want a better movie.