A True Gentleman

Paul Schrader’s 1980 film American Gigolo featured Richard Gere as a male escort, diving into themes of materialism, male objectification, and the volatility of superficial relationships. Fast forward to 2024, A True Gentleman, directed by Onur Bilgetay, tells a similar story with modern elements. The film follows Saygin, a male escort who pushes the boundaries for his clients in hopes of achieving a luxurious lifestyle. But when his professional and personal lives collide, Saygin’s once carefully constructed world spirals out of control.

Saygin encounters Serap, an unhappy woman in a stagnant marriage, who seeks emotional and physical fulfillment from him. Serap offers him material comfort, like an upscale home and car, in exchange for exclusivity. At first, Saygin hesitates to accept these offers, wanting to keep his options open. Eventually, he succumbs to the arrangement and moves in with his friend Kado, also a male escort, and his dog. Kado, who has been assigned to seduce Serap’s daughter, finds himself struggling with his clientele, resorting to drugs to cope with his distress.

The film delves into Saygin’s growing emotional attachment to Nehir, a friend of Fulya (Serap’s daughter). As Saygin juggles his relationship with Serap, his feelings for Nehir, and taking care of Kado, his life unravels. The film touches on themes of blurred lines between personal and professional boundaries, morality, and unresolved childhood trauma, but fails to explore them in any meaningful way. The narrative lacks depth, and the conflicts between characters feel superficial and rushed.

While A True Gentleman attempts to reflect on male escort culture, it misses the mark. The film offers little insight into the consequences of Saygin’s choices, and character arcs, like Kado’s, which address issues like body image and self-esteem, are sidelined. The film doesn’t give enough weight to the emotional conflicts it introduces, rendering them ineffective and unmemorable.

Visually, the film fails to impress. The cinematography and editing feel subpar compared to similar films like American Gigolo or B.A. Pass, a Bollywood take on the same concept. The movie’s aesthetic is lackluster, offering little in terms of creative framing or visual storytelling. Despite a few scenes with vibrant colors, the overall presentation feels uninspired and fails to elevate the story. The film’s plot seems to rely more on its “scintillating” nature than delivering an engaging narrative.

Regarding the acting, Cagatay Ulusoy’s portrayal of Saygin lacks range, drawing parallels to his earlier roles and making his performance feel repetitive. In contrast, Haki Bicici as Kado stands out, delivering a much more nuanced and memorable performance. However, Bicici’s character is underutilized. Ebru Sahin, who plays Nehir, adds some chemistry to her scenes with Ulusoy, while Senay Gurler brings a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to her role as Serap. Unfortunately, the characters, though performed decently, are often weighed down by clichés and limited screen time.

In conclusion, A True Gentleman is another forgettable romantic drama on Netflix. Though it hints at exploring complex themes, it barely scratches the surface, leaving viewers dissatisfied. While the film is visually unremarkable and the plot drags, some viewers might be curious enough to watch it. For those looking for a more captivating take on the subject, films like American Gigolo, Midnight Cowboy, and B.A. Pass provide richer narratives and better visuals. A True Gentleman, however, offers little more than wasted potential and time.