An American in ParisNow that we're in the midst of Hollywood's award season, I figured I would go back to watch an award-winning classic An American in Paris is a musical masterpiece from Gene Kelly and Vincente Minnelli that stars Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary, and Nina Foch. The plot focuses on Kelly, an American painter living in Paris, whom is taken under the patronage of Nina Foch's character while falling in love with Leslie Caron. Unfortunately, Caron is already engaged to Guetary, whom Kelly knows but is unaware of the connection. The movie culminates in a 17 minute ballet, which is arguably the most recognizable component of the film. An American in Paris is beautifully choreographed(with Caron's ballet technique and ability absolutely stunning) and, while dated in some aspects, is still quite playful and modern in many others.
Of particular note to me in the movie was the banter between Kelly, Levant, and Guetary, a few friends who share laughs and advice, but it is Levant's comic performance that really shines the most to me. The emotion and attitudes he manages to convey in the background of one scene using only coffee and cigarettes is genius, and even if you were to dislike musicals, I would recommend the movie solely based on him.
That said, the film isn't without problems, perhaps most notably in how we view flirting versus how it was viewed in the 1950s. At the time, Kelly's actions were likely considered ok. Nowadays we'd call him a stalker. This is the only real criticism I have of the film, and I realize it's one that is the product of changing times and evolving culture. But it is definitely something to notice.
Still, I found I enjoyed the movie significantly more than I expected myself to. If you like classic musicals, dance numbers, combinations of tap dancing and ballet, and marvelous comedic performances...check it out.
