An American in Paris

Rating:
Summary: S'wonderful...and s'marvelous
Review: This is one of my favorite film musicals, together with Singin' in the Rain and Chicago. It received and richly deserved six Academy Awards in 1951, including one for best film. When you think about it, there are so many musicals which also offer delightful entertainment such as Meet Me in St. Louis, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Wizard of Oz, Show Boat, West Side Story, Cabaret, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Carousel, All That Jazz, and The King and I. It has been 50 years since An American in Paris was released and longer than that since the Gershwin brothers collaborated on the songs and George Gershwin composed Concerto in F and An American in Paris. How remarkable that the film has held up so well over the years. When I first saw it (in 1951), I immediately envied Jerry Mulligan's lifestyle (Kelly), especially after he met and fell in love with Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron). He seems so at home in Paris, hanging out with his fellow American, friend, and neighbor Adam Cook (Levant) as well as with close friends among the Parisians such as Henri Burel (Georges Guetary). He also seems so popular with others within the area where he lives. The "I Got Rhythm" street scene number with his neighbors (especially the children) is thoroughly enchanting.

As for the plot, it is relatively simple: Boy meets girl, doesn't know she's a friend's girl, falls in love with her and (we suspect) she with him. After a while, they agree not to hurt his friend and part but are eventually reunited. As I said, a relatively simple plot. What sets An American in Paris apart from most other musicals are its great music and dancing, of course, but also an especially thoughtful and witty script by Alan Jay Lerner. (His screenplay earned him an Academy Award.)I also enjoy the dream sequences, notably when Cook imagines himself performing the Concerto in F and then later when Mulligan brilliantly dances his way through the title symphony. The exteriors in Paris shot by cinematographers John Alton and Alfred Gilks are certainly charming. Their work earned them an Academy Award. Director Vincent Minnelli probably received substantial assistance from Kelly who was the film's choreographer. In all respects, this film had a superior cast and crew.

Image and sound are certainly clearer in the DVD format. Regrettably, the "Features" which accompany this classic film are unworthy of it. Presumably their number and quality will soon be improved. With regard to this film's future, my guess (only a guess) is that this film will remain popular only so long as the Gershwins' music does. In other words, for a long time to come.

Rating:
Summary: an embarassment to the musical genre!
Review: I felt sick after watching this movie. I thought it would be like Singing in the Rain, which is one of my favorite musicals. Instead, I get cheesy acting, overproduction, a sub-average dialogue, and the worst plot for any musical I've ever seen. The music was commendable, which is why I give it two stars. But the dance numbers and the movie in general are so overproduced, it's practically megalomaniacal. As stated above, the acting and dialogue are boring. And not only is the story beyond cliche, but in the end the guy gets the girl for no reason we can think of, in the most vile Hollywood ending ever. Stick with The Music Man instead. Or Singing in the Rain. Or Showboat. Just not this . . .

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: This is one of my favorite movies. The plot makes you laugh out loud. Gene Kelly is absolutley fantastic in every number he preforms including, "I Got", "This Time It's Really Love", and the last dance sequence. I especially love the part where he 'jumps' into a Toulusse painting and dances. You must see "An American In Paris" if you are a musical or Gene Kelly fan.

Rating:
Summary: An American in Paris is truely S'wonderful!
Review: This is one of the most enchanting movies that Gene Kelly was ever in!
Starring Gene Kelly as a ex-GI, Jerry Mulligan, who is an artist, the lovely Leslie Caron as a shy girl who works in a shop, Oscar Levant, who plays Jerry's piano playing friend. Also, Nina Foch is Jerry's rich benefactor.
The storyline is abosultly wonderful,from the first frame to the end. The musical numbers are fantastic. From 'I Got Rhythym' with French children, to the highly romantic 'Our Love is Here To Stay', this Oscar winning movie will be cherished for years to come!

Rating:
Summary: Yummy!
Review: Gene Kelly in "An American in Paris" makes dancing look like flying and is comes across as effortlessly charming and just beautiful to look at. The role itself would have been perfect for a man 15 years his junior, but even though he was 39 when it was made, Kelly for the most part, looks to be in his mid to late 30's. created magic with his choreography and the beauty of his dance. Vincent Minelli's pacing is brilliant and the acting superb. However, one of the reels that this was copied from must have been off because about halfway through the film the colors become yellowed and muted to a degree that is distracting.

Rating:
Summary: Paris Romance
Review: The panoramic sweeps over Paris are more than you can expect to see in most movies about Paris. We find an artist (Gene Kelly) struggling to make a living and borrowing money from his friends. He ends up having to chose between two women. The one he loves and the one who can support his hobbies.

If you can get past the first few scenes of corny comic exuberance, there are moments of romance worth waiting for. The ballet is spectacular and is in such contrast with the opening scenes, you wonder if you are watching the same movie.

Now I understand this famous line:

With a binding like you've got, people are going to want to know what's in the book. ~Alan Jay Lerner, An American in Paris (screenplay)

I had to laugh at the ballerina at the start trying to read a book and dance.

Probably the most exuberant musical I've seen yet. A bit much for anyone who is even slightly jaded, but if you are even slightly old fashioned and a romantic, you will probably love this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Kelly Dancing Down The River Seine
Review: An American In Paris is a glorious, large Hollywood musical. The story revolves around a former G.I., Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly), who stayed in Paris after the war to become an artist, who is caught between choosing a rich American, Milo Roberts (Nina Foch), who wants to be more than his benefactor and a young French gamine, Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron), who he falls in love with at first sight, but who already engaged. Mr. Kelly is charming and winning in his role, making his character immensely likable and young Ms. Caron (who was eighteen and making her English speaking film debut) seems like a genuine innocent. Oscar Levant is sarcastically hysterical as Jerry's American buddy and provides the film with comic relief. But all that aside, the real reason to watch the film are the amazing musical numbers. Director Vincente Minnelli's sets are bright, vivid and colorfully designed and choreography is stunning. The lengthy final number is brilliantly performed and is one of Mr. Kelly's most impressive choreographed numbers. The film won the 1951 Academy Award for Best Picture and is one of just a few films to have the Best Picture award be the only award the film wins that year.

Rating:
Summary: A charming musical
Review: Gene Kelley is still the best. This a charming musical about an American Artist who falls in love with a young Paris girl played by the beautiful Lelsie Caron. The Paris setting is teriffic.

Rating:
Summary: The whole is a treat; the quiet moments are a triumph.
Review: "An American In Paris?" "Singin' In The Rain?" Apples and pomegranetes. However, the dancing here is not to be believed- from Kelly's "I Got Rhythm" romp with the kids to the "Embraceable You" tableau of Leslie Caron in various styles and moods, to the much-discussed long ballet which ends the film. But for me, the quiet moments are what really make this a lovely, almost silky, film. After an awkward series of encounters (what musical dosen't have these?) Kelly and Caron's first date, which ends with the Seine River walk under the bridge, transforms into the gorgeous, deceptively simple song-and-dance, "Our Love Is Here To Stay." This sequence, with its after-hours lighting and fog-infused cinematography, is the 'brio' of romance. It is reminiscent of the 'Dancing In The Dark' pas-de-deux in "The Band Wagon," right down to the outdoor setting and Caron's swirling white dress. But the background colors- the muted blues and purples- give it a truly amorous sensation. And the choreography of small walking steps, sways, and lunges is not backbreaking and looks simple- as if anyone unrtained could do it. (Yeah, right.)

Rating:
Summary: A showcase for many great talents becomes a great movie
Review: What works best about "American in Paris" is so many great talents coming together. Gershwin, Kelly, Minelli and Levant are each giants in their fields at the top of their games.

A musical with all Gershwin tunes can never go wrong, and this one brings together the best. "Our Love Is Here To Stay," "I Got Rhythm," "'S Wonderful," "Nice Work if You Can Get It." Quite a collection of hits! Oscar Levant provides sharp wit and musical talent, with "Concert in F for Piano and Orchestra" in a dream sequence where he plays every instrument.

Gene Kelly is at his most cavalier best, playing the type of character he likes to play. He is a struggling penniless painter of the blue-collar variety. Leslie Caron is an impish match for Kelly, and holds her own in both banter and dancing. Nina Foch brings dignity to the somewhat absurd role of the wealthy woman pursuing Kelly. The final ballet sequence is justly famous, as Kelly dances through Paris as seen by several impressionist artists.

The strength of this film lies in each of these parts coming together for a greater whole. Gershwin's music, although George Gershwin was dead by this time, is used to great strength as both lyrics and score. Kelly made a stand with his dancing, moving it beyond standard musical hoofing and into that abstract realm known as "art."

All together, a great film, well-deserving of both the 1951 Best Picture Oscar and your time. Enjoy!