MOST DISTASTEFUL FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN

"Gigi" (1958) -- 1/10

By Martin Zabell
(Wrote June 20, 2006)

This movie was stunning. I bought 36 classic movies a few months ago, and this was the first one I completely disliked. I hated it.

I thought this movie was supposed to be a "delightful" musical. That is what numerous reviews I read said.

This movie was beyond despicable. It was about two elderly women training an innocent teenager to be a hooker and a 40-year-old man pursuing her. I'm not kidding. There were five main characters in the movie, and Gigi, the would-be hooker, was by far the most appealing.

Halfway through the movie, I found myself rooting for Gigi to pull out a rifle and kill her aunt, grandmother, suitor, and Maurice Chevalier, the suitor's uncle. I thought this kind of character conflict could save the movie. Unfortunately, Gigi marries her suitor, who starts conversations by insulting her clothes, manners, etc.

I wish Gigi had been a strong character.

I can't believe that no one commented on the low point of the movie. Eva Gabor kills herself after Gigi's eventual suitor (Louis Jourdan) dumps her and 1900 Paris celebrates. Chevalier says to his nephew while smiling broadly "Congratulations. Your first suicide. What an achievement....May this be the first of many." Later, Chevalier pours champagne to celebrate the suicide and labels it a "victory" for Jourdan.

I realize that there are lots of horrible characters in movies. I like many of those movies. However, those movies are not supposed to be "delightful" musicals and are not cheery and optimistic.

What were IMDb's reviewers thinking? By the way, the music wasn't particularly good either. I give "Gigi" a 1.