Just a Gigolo is a 1978 film starring David Bowie as the protagonist, Paul Von Przygodski. Following World War I, Paul returns to Berlin to find that his once-prestigious family has lost everything due to the war. Without any employable skills, he is forced to take on a series of low-paying jobs, including as a street sweeper and as an assistant to a funeral parlor.
One day, Paul has the opportunity to meet and seduce a wealthy, older woman, Helga von Kaiserling (Marlene Dietrich). Recognizing the opportunity, Paul decides to become a professional gigolo, serving the needs of lonely, rich women who are starved for attention and intimacy.
Over time, Paul becomes a highly sought-after gigolo, building up a roster of clients and earning a significant amount of cash. However, along the way, he begins to develop feelings for a more age-appropriate woman, Annette (Sydne Rome), who works as a nightclub singer.
As Paul struggles with his complicated relationships and the contradictions of his profession, he confronts the harsh realities of his life in post-war Germany, where desperation and uncertainty are pervasive.
Ultimately, Just a Gigolo is a melancholic film that explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the pursuit of love and connection amidst trying circumstances. Bowie's performance is poignant and understated, perfectly capturing the inner turmoil of a man who is trying to come to grips with his place in the world.