Gigola

Gigola, directed by Laure Charpentier and released in 2010, is a French film that offers a mesmerizing exploration of lesbian subculture in 1960’s Paris. This film is reverberating with erotic tension, exploring themes such as power, sex work, gender roles, and identity in a time when societal norms surrounding homosexuality were significantly different from today.

The headlining role is masterfully played by Lou Doillon (daughter of Jane Birkin), who brings the character of George 'Gigola' to life. Introducing the audience to her rawness, provocative charm, fearlessness, and a rather complex persona enveloped in a masculine exterior, George is a character that brilliantly bends the stereotypes and gender norms of that moment in history.

After enduring a traumatic incident which leads to the suicide of her lover, the protagonist embarks on a journey of sexual discovery. However, it's not the typical narrative you might expect from a movie discussing sexual orientation. Rather, it is an exploration of sex as a profession and a form of survival.

Transforming herself into 'Gigola,' George submerges herself in the existence of an androgynous courtesan for wealthy and mature women looking for companionship or sexual fantasies in the nocturnal Parisian Crescent. There, Gigola becomes a sort of night-time hero - a sharply dressed, mysterious figure admired and desired.

Eduardo Noriega and Marie Kremer provide exceptional performances as supporting characters who play significant parts in Gigola's life. Noriega's character, Tony, is a man who is personally and intimately involved with her. On the other hand, Marie Kremer's persona, Solange, is a charming woman married into an affluent family that becomes emotionally entangled with George/Gigola, further contributing to the cacophony of her already tumultuous life.

Gigola offers intriguing snapshots of 1960’s Parisian nightlife and features stunning performances that help transport viewers directly into the milieu of an era, breathing in its decadence, its permissiveness but also, its oblique prejudices. The cinematography enhances this, providing an aesthetically pleasing visual narrative, filled with opulent costumes, intense color palettes, and seductively lit mise-en-scenes.

However, beneath its evocative imagery, the film strikes a deeper chord. It navigates the viewer through the complex dynamics of sexuality, dominance and submission, love, and gratification of desire, in a society characterized by its rigid patriarchal norms. It’s a story that pulls curtains away from the underground world that co-existed beneath the glamour and conservatism of 1960s Paris, while also being a poignant exploration of personal, sexual, and social liberation.

The film is particularly notable due to its unique perspective. While many films examine the idea of female sex workers catering to male clients, Gigola flips this concept, instead scrutinizing the dynamics of a female sex worker whose clients are exclusively women. This reversal is Part of what makes Gigola an enthralling watch, offering a different lens through which to explore gender and sexuality.

The narrative, though set in an era long past, remains highly relevant today. Gigola pushes the barriers while inviting the audience to step outside of their comfort zones, challenging viewers to question societal norms. It presents the discourse on sex, sexuality, and power under an entirely different and perhaps unconventional light.

However, it’s important to note that Gigola may be deemed as an 'explicit' film and may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature content. The film uses these mature themes not for their shock value but as a way to candidly, even brutally, portray the realities of underground life in the 1960s.

In conclusion, Gigola is a story with thrilling explorations of gender, sexuality, and power dynamics set in a vibrantly authentic portrayal of 1960’s Paris. This is a film for those seeking to get a glimpse of a world lesser known, and for those who are drawn towards narratives that are intense, dark yet hauntingly beautiful in every frame. It is a rebel up against societal norms, much like its protagonist, promising a viewing experience that is a unique mix of awe, intrigue, and discomfort.