Warrick Page/Showtime
When you think about American Gigolo, you can’t help but think about sex. It’s suggested right there in the name, first of all. It’s also because Richard Gere as the lead in Paul Schrader’s 1980 neo-noir classic was the epitome of sex appeal, befitting the label as not just any escort, but the American gigolo. The film also tackles themes of crime, greed, narcissism, and betrayal, in addition to sexual politics. How very American.
More than two decades later, American Gigolo is getting the TV treatment with a new Showtime series. In this version, actor Jon Bernthal is Julian Kaye, now navigating the modern-day sex industry in Los Angeles after spending 15 years in prison for a wrongful conviction.
In this exclusive clip, Julian is entertaining a client when, across the lobby, he spots Michelle Stratton (Gretchen Mol), a woman from his past life. They lock eyes and follow each other into another room. “What are you doing with that woman?” she asks. “I guess whatever she wants,” he responds.