American Gigolo 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, composed by Giorgio Moroder, and
American Gigolo (soundtrack) Score for his soundtrack to "Midnight Express". At the same ceremony, Donna Summer's "Last Dance", produced by Moroder from the soundtrack to "Thank God It's Friday", won an Academy Award for best song (as well as a Golden Globe). Following the success of "American Gigolo" and Blondie's "Call Me" in 1980, Moroder went on to compose and produce for several more soundtracks throughout the 1980s. These included "Cat People" – including David Bowie's hit single "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" (1982), "Flashdance" – including Irene Cara's "Flashdance...What A Feeling" (1983), "Scarface" – including Debbie Harry's "Rush Rush" (1983), "Metropolis" and