American Gigolo write the series for Showtime. American Gigolo American Gigolo is a 1980 American crime drama film written and directed by Paul Schrader, and starring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton. It tells the story about a high-priced male escort in Los Angeles who becomes romantically involved with a prominent politician's wife while simultaneously becoming the prime suspect in a murder case. The film is notable for establishing Gere as a leading man, and was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to include frontal male nudity from its main star. It is also notable for its Golden Globe Award-nominated musical score,
American Gigolo number-one single "Call Me" by Blondie. Schrader considers it one of four similar films, which he calls "double bookends": "Taxi Driver", bookended by "Light Sleeper", and "American Gigolo" bookended by "The Walker". Julian Kaye is a male escort in Los Angeles, whose job supports and requires an expensive taste in cars and clothes, and affords him a luxury Westwood apartment. He is blatantly materialistic, narcissistic and superficial. However, he takes pleasure in his work from being able to sexually satisfy women, especially older ones. Julian's procurer, Anne, sends him on an assignment with a wealthy old widow, Mrs. Dobrun, who