Guess I'm hitting the lesser known gems. This film, financed by Ashton Kutcher, is a real standout. Made in 2009, it is one of the best portraits ever of a male hustler.
The theme of gigolos is not new to Hollywood. Back in '69, Jon Voight made his name playing the hustlin' cowboy from Texas, with the big grin and stupid good-heartedness. The portrait was muddied by a lot of vague sexual/bisexual inuendo, and lots of focus on Dustin Hoffman as the ailing Ratso. Another attempt was the comedic Deuce Bigolow, Male Gigolo, a major misfire that made the whole gigolo thing rather stupid.
Then came Ashton. Since he's married in real life to a woman twice his age, did he need to play this role to somehow resolve his situation in real life? Who knows? Suffice it say that Demi's man does a fantastic job of depicting the guy whose good looks and charm allow him to live off rich, older women.
Anne Heche is perfect as the somewhat sleazy, somewhat loving victim, who discovers to her dismay that her young man is a bit of a wanderer! Watch out for some very hot, pushing-the-R-rated scenes!
Then there is Ashton's true love interest, a fellow hustler in young female form, played by the attractive and little known Margarita Levieva. She proves to be quite a match for the young man who thinks he knows it all about women! She is prettier than most Hollywood starlets, as evidenced by the picture above.
Why is this film so stunning? Because not since Paul Newman portrayed the pool shark in the Hustler has the theme of the charming con artist been so well done. Ashton, Anne, and Margarita perform film magic in a triangular plot that is hard to forget.
A+ Not a very nice film, but quite a cinematic wonder. Not to be missed.
All right, I am going to break a cardinal rule in film critique. I am about to comment on a film I have not seen! Can you imagine? AND, I hope what I say won't tick off my blog partner too much.
ReplyDeleteFirst, have you forgotten Richard Gere in American Gigolo, with its artistic opening and David Lee Roth's rendition of Louis Prima's classic??? GOOD movie.
I continue to be mystified by the career of Ashton Kutcher. My word association for him is: Demi's husband, Twitter, and cameras. He seems to play one role ever since The 70's Show (albeit a pretty fair show, thanks to the parents). I find myself waiting for him to mature (and get a haircut!) Gawd, I sound awful. He's just boring to me.
So, here we are with an A+ movie? What grade would you then give Avatar?
How about this? I promise to watch Spread (jeeze, what a provocative title) based on your critique if you add here an examination of what makes this a "cinematic wonder?" That's a great phrase. Does it lie entirely in performances?
By the way, I had to chuckle at your post of the beautiful Margarita over Mr. Kutcher. haha
Nice challenge, my brainy friend! I am never ticked off at your wisdom, Valerie! My male ego can take it!
ReplyDeleteFirst, you are absolutely right about American Gigolo...forgot about Richard Gere. He was very good in that flick.
Ashton is indeed a mystery. He's generally a jerk. I just can't get too enthusiastic about him pranking Hollywood stars.
Lest you forget the one good role he played, did you see A Lot Like Love? He's great with Amanda Peet in this "chick flick"....very well done. He's also very funny in the Vegas caper with Cameron Diaz.
OK, now to justify my A+... I think a top film is one that grabs you and pulls you out of your chair and into another reality. Not a very sophisticated definition, but one that works. After all, isn't the greatest barrier to film viewing that ol' "suspension of disbelief"? When you find yourself no longer "suspending" and actually feeling like you're part of a fictional world, I think a film has truly succeeded.
Not at all easy to do. It takes a good script, fine actors, and most of all, I think, good casting. I'll detail each of the three aspects above once you've seen the film, ok?
So back to you, Valerie! The film is looping on TV right now, so grab your fine husband by the arm and promise him a fun film!