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Summary The film takes place at the beginning of the 20th century in Paris. A rich man Honore Lachaille and his nephew Gaston are roaming the city. Gaston has become bored with life, and the only thing amusing him is Madam Alvarez and her granddaughter Gilberte (who is also known as Gigi). His facinationg with Gigi grows fonder, as she is sent to live her her great aunt Alicia to learn etiquette and charm. The film is a musical, and the songs help Gaston and Gigi express how they feel about each other. As his love grows fonder they form an intimate bond that complicates there relationship.
Trailer And Movie Clips • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys5gdPnU3VM&feature=related • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbE9N6LRpG0&feature=related
The Cast Director: Vincente Minnelli Main Characters: • Leslie caron … Gigi • Maurice Chevalier … Honore Lachaille • Louis Jourdan … Gaston Lachaille • Hermoine Gingold … Madame Aivarez
Vincente Minnelli is also known for… • Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) • Ziegfeld Follies (1946)
Quotes • "Like everywhere else, most people in Paris get married, but not all. There are some who will not marry, and some who do not marry. But in Paris, those who will not marry are usually men, and those who do not marry are usually women.” Honore Lachaille • “Love, my dear Gigi, is a thing of beauty like a work of art, and like a work of art it is created by artists. The greater the artist the greater the art. And what makes an artist?” Aunt Alicia
Quotes Continued • “Oh Gigi! While you were trembling on the brink was I out yonder somewhere blinking at a star? / Oh Gigi! Have I been standing up too close or back too far? / When did your sparkle turn to fire, / And your warmth become desire? / Oh what miracle has made you the way you are? Gigi! Gigi! Gigi! Oh no! I was mad not to have seen the change in you! Oh, Gigi!” Gaston Lachaille • “A necklace is love! A ring is love! / A rock from some obnoxious little king is love! / A sapphire with a star is love! / An ugly black cigar is love! / Everything you are is love! You would think it would embarrass / All the people here in Paris / To be thinking every minute of love!” Gigi
Film critiques 1. Bosley Crowther of the New York Times called it "a musical film that bears such a basic resemblance to My Fair Lady that the authors may want to sue themselves." He added, "But don't think this point of resemblance is made in criticism of the film, for Gigi is a charming entertainment that can stand on its own two legs. It is not only a charming comprehension of the spicy confection of Colette, but it is also a lovely and lyrical enlargement upon that story's flavored mood and atmosphere . . . Vincente Minnelli has marshaled a cast to give a set of performances that, for quality and harmony, are superb.
2. Abel Green of Variety called the film "100% escapist fare" and predicted it "is destined for a global boxoffice mopup." He added, "Alan Jay Lerner's libretto is tailor-made for an inspired casting job for all principals, and Fritz Loewe's tunes (to Lerner's lyrics) already vie with and suggest their memorable My Fair Lady score . . . Miss Caron is completely captivating and convincing in the title role . . . Skillful casting, performance and presentation have endowed realism to the sum total . . . Director Minnelli's good taste in keeping it in bounds and the general sound judgment of all concerned . . . distinguishes this Arthur Freed independent production. The Metrocolor rates recognition for its soft pastels under Joseph Ruttenberg's lensing; the Beaton costumes, sets and general production design are vivid physical assets at first sight. The skillful integration of words-and-music with the plot motivation makes this Gigi a very fair lady indeed as a boxoffice entry."
3. Time Out New York said, "The dominating creative contribution comes from Minnelli and Cecil Beaton . . . The combination of these two visual elitists is really too much - it's like a meal consisting of cheesecake, and one quickly longs for something solid and vulgar to weigh things down. No doubt inspired by the finicky, claustrophobic sets and bric-à-brac, the cast tries (with unfortunate success) to be more French than the French, especially Chevalier. The exception is Gingold, who inhabits, as always, a world of her own.” 4. TV Guide rated the film 3ｽ out of five stars, calling it "Overbaked but enjoyable, and a banquet for the eyes, thanks to the visual wonder of the Minnelli-Beaton teaming . . . Caron . . . leads the cast in a contest to see who can be the most French. The winner is Chevalier, in a performance that makes one feel as if you're gagging on pastry . . . Perhaps if the sweetness of Gigi was contrasted with elements of honest vulgarity, the picture could balance itself out . . . Ten minutes into the movie, you've resolved the plot and are left to wallow in lovely frou-frou. [The film] makes wonderful use of the usual Parisian landmarks, and benefits from extraordinary period costumes and sets.
Awards Academy Awards: • Best Picture • Best Director • Best Adapted Screenplay • Best Art Direction • Best Cinematography • Best Costume Design • Best Film Editing • Best Original Score • Best Original Song • Academy Honorary Award • Golden Globes: • Best Movie Picture Musical or Comedy • Best director motion picture • Best supporting actress (Leslie Caron, winner) • Best actor (Maurice Chevalier, nominee) • Best actor(Louis Jourdan, nominee)
