# American in Paris, An (1951)

### reviewed by
Brian Koller

    An American in Paris (1951)

    Grade: 59

I don't understand it, myself. Since "Singin' in the Rain" is the greatest musical of all time, how come "An American in Paris", made just the year prior, and also featuring Gene Kelly, is not nearly as good? How can a film that has received so much acclaim over the years be such a letdown?

I have often criticized films that have too much action and not enough content. The same criticism can sometimes be applied to art films; in this case, too much ballet and not enough content.

"An American in Paris" does have a plot. A love story, of course, that thinly winds its way through numerous lengthy production numbers. An ex-GI painter (Gene Kelly) is living (and struggling) in Paris. A wealthy socialite (Nina Foch) promotes his career, but seems more interested in his body. Kelly falls for chipmunk-cheeked Leslie Caron, who is engaged to stage performer Georges Guetary. Unemployed pianist Oscar Levant is the laconic mutual friend of Kelly and Guetary.

Undoubtedly, Kelly was an outstanding actor, dancer, and choreographer. But perhaps the envelope was pushed too far in "An American in Paris". Comparing with two Kelly vehicles that I admire, "Singin' in the Rain" and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", both had better storylines, and better supporting casts.

It is possible that since I don't have knowledge of European culture, that I can't appreciate songs about German composers, and lacking an understanding of ballet, I can't appreciate eighteen minute ballet sequences. But I enjoyed the production numbers from the aforementioned Kelly vehicles. The magic doesn't work here, perhaps because the numbers fill up most of the movie, perhaps because Caron is only perfunctory, or perhaps Donald O'Connor and even Frank Sinatra are missed. Perhaps because Guetary sings like Al Jolson, while Levant appears about to fall asleep.

In any event, "An American in Paris" received more Oscars than any other Kelly vehicle. Awards were won for Best Picture, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Music and somehow even Best Writing. There were no nominations for acting, but Vincente Minnelli was up for Best Director.

kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html

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