An American In Paris (1951) - Heartwarming tale despite it’s inconsistent lead!

Musicals have been an audience grabber in all art forms for many a year. So it’s no wonder that the classic movie musicals of the 50s and 60s are still rewatched and fondly remembered by audiences young and old. And with the passion of Gene Kelly behind it, there’s no shock at how entertaining and heart warming, An American In Paris continues to be, 68 years after it first hit our cinema screens.

The film continues to look beautiful, and well preserved. Regardless of whether you watch this film on DVD, Blu-Ray or streaming, the print is generally in really good condition. The vibrant and emotional, award winning cinematography by Alfred Gilks and John Alton Bring Paris to live in a way only they knew how. Alton in particular takes advantage of the ballet setting, to really use light and colour to really reflect the emotions on display in the performances, as well as the emotions our lead played by Kelly is coming to terms with.

Being a Gene Kelly musical, the songs and dance numbers are exceptional. Every time one appears, you can’t help but lighten up and feel the overwhelming urge to join in. Songs like Build A Stairway To Paradise and S’Wonderful both bring energy and passion to their respective moments. S’Wonderful is beautifully naive as our two singers embrace their romantic sides, completely unaware that they’re both singing about the same woman. While Stairway takes what amazing about musicals in general, and gives the audience a awe inspiring spectacle. Biggest achievement by far has to be the ballet in the third act. Not only does the entire music piece perfectly incapsulates the emotions Kelly’s character is dealing with, but also incapsulates the themes and tones of the film as a whole. Backed up by first class choreography, and you have a heartwarming book end to the film.

The chemistry between Kelly’s Jerry, and Leslie Caron’s Lise is a vital part to this film working. And while Kelly’s character comes off more creepy than charming in their first few encounters, the chemistry blossoms throughout to the point, where the audience is heartbroken for them as the film reaches the third act. The character of Jerry is tough enough to pin down as it is. One moment he’s charming and funny, the next he seems rude, creepy and rather unlikeable. Thankfully, as the romance blossoms, these character flaws become less of a problem. But alas, they’re still a problem regardless.

Despite it’s inconsistent lead character, An American In Paris still has some great moments, memorable music and first class choreography. It’s the perfect so of film that doesn’t require your full attention to understand, but also doesn’t leave the story without any meat like a lot of “turn your brain off” movies tend to do. Musical fans, if you haven’t done so already, definitely give this one a chance!

Scores

Story - 4.5/5

Characters - 4/5

Production - 5/5

Acting - 4/5

Music - 5/5

Overall - 9/10