Madeline
An American In Paris was Gene Kelly‘s pet project. If you know anything about Gene Kelly and his past movies, it is clear to see why. He is just one talented man and the entire cast of An American In Paris is just as talented and elevate his performance to perfection. For anyone who is a fan of musicals, this is a must see movie.
Premise of An American In Paris
A struggling artist from America, Jerry, has moved to Paris. A rich women takes a liking to the artist and his work and introduces him to people who can make him rich and famous. She clearly has an affection for him that goes beyond his art. In the meeting and the greeting he meets a young French dancer, Lise, and they fall in love. But Lise has a French man who is intent on marrying her. It really is the simple tale of two people who fall in love against their better judgement.
An American In Paris Songs
Although I have never seen this movie prior to today, I had not realize how much of the songs I had known including “I Got Rhythm“, “‘S Wonderful“, and “I’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise.” Like many other musicals, the actors in this film do not only need to act but dancing is a must and singing is another useful skill to have. In the An American In Paris songs, the talent is wide with all three. There is no skimping on the dancing specifically. The two leads are equally talented in dance but clearly have their own specialties that they meshed together near the end in perfect synchrony.
It Has Not Stood The Test Of Time
In watching this film over seventy years after it was released, of course the times have changed and there are some things that are different. For one, in Jerry’s effort to get Lise to pay attention to him, he does some questionable things that no girl today would believe would get him the girl. He is a creep and borderline inappropriate in his efforts.
Final Thoughts
The talent in this movie is insane and off the hook. But do not expect to go into this movie, or any movie seventy or more years old, and expect it to feel fresh. Outside of the dancing, singing, and music, as someone who regularly reads historical fiction, the few comments about World War II in Paris caught my attention. This clearly is a period piece that takes place in Paris, regardless of the cheap looking sets. This is a must watch for any and all musical lovers.
