HIRED FOR LOVE. FRAMED FOR MURDER.

Julian Kay (Richard Gere), a male escort in Los Angeles, becomes a suspect in a murder case and realizes that he’s being framed. Gere’s turn as the confident gigolo in Armani suits, who’s trying to learn Swedish, became a star-making performance and there’s a lot here for our senses to enjoy – the L.A. locations, the iconic former models in the cast and the music score, perfect for this project and those times. The story, however, is a paranoia thriller without memorable dialogue, scenes or tension. 

1980-U.S. 117 min. Color. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Written and directed by Paul Schrader. Music: Giorgio Moroder. Song: ”Call Me” (performed by Blondie). Cast: Richard Gere (Julian Kay), Lauren Hutton (Michelle Stratton), Hector Elizondo (Joe Sunday), Nina Van Pallandt, Frances Bergen, Bill Duke.

Trivia: Christopher Reeve and John Travolta were reportedly offered the lead role. 

IMDb