In French cinemas since Wednesday December 18, Oh, Canada is not the first film on which director Paul Schrader called on Richard Gere. If the actor achieved fame in Hollywood, it’s even thanks to him.
From Wednesday December 18, Paul Schrader and Richard Gere come together on the big screen to Oh, Canadaan introspective drama that follows an aging documentary filmmaker determined to reveal the hidden truths of his life during a major interview with one of his former students. The two men first worked together almost 45 years ago on the feature film American Gigolo (1980), a work that propelled the actor to international stardom. In this aesthetic and provocative drama, Richard Gere plays Julian Kaye, a luxury escort operating in Los Angeles.
“Julian Kaye, a handsome dark thirty-something, rents out his charms to women in need. After spending the night with the wife of a businessman, the latter is found dead and the police’s suspicions naturally fall on Julian. The murder seems to be a set-up to incriminate him and Julian is determined to prove it“, explains the synopsis.
Far from Scorsese
The film, written and directed by Schrader, explores themes of desire, power, and loneliness, while inscribing itself in the visual elegance specific to the aesthetic of the 80s. Often considered a precursor of erotic thrillers, it stands out for its sophisticated staging, its costumes by Giorgio Armani, and its unforgettable soundtrack, notably embellished with Call Me by Blondie.
American Gigolo marked a turning point in Paul Schrader’s cinema by moving away from his dark collaborations with Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull). In 2022, Paramount+ released a remake with Jon Bernthal in the leading role.
