American Gigolo (1980) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

15%

American Gigolo1980

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

American Gigolo is a product of its time, largely free from modern woke interventions. The focus rests on flawed characters and existential themes, not on ticking diversity boxes or rewriting cultural standards. Its "woke level" is refreshingly low by today’s standards.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

American Gigolo keeps its focus on character, motivation, and moral ambiguity without shoehorning identity politics. The story is centered on Julian's personal choices, flaws, and consequences, not his race, gender, or sexuality. It's a story built around a (gasp!) male lead with traditionally masculine traits, and doesn't inject overt modern-day representational requirements or ideology.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Mildly Woke

What is this?

The film explores themes of morality and consequence, but if anything, it exposes the emptiness of modern hedonism rather than glorifying it. Masculinity isn't mocked; rather, it's interrogated in a reasonably balanced way. Religion and family are present, but not overtly undermined or targeted for subversion. It’s fairly standard in this department for the time.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

While the film is certainly cynical about modern culture, it doesn't go out of its way to demonize traditional values or perspectives. There are no cartoonish bigots or exaggerated villains standing in for "the old ways," and the film's moral conflicts come from individual failings rather than ideology. Pluralism exists within the narrative.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.