An American in Paris, 1951 - Set Design AnalysisIs it a bedroom? Is it a kitchen? Is it a living room? With the cost of living crisis raging through the UK, many of us have to make due with small living spaces, having to balance spatial efficiency with customisation and aesthetics. However this kind of living is not new and one of the characteristics of the “Chambre de Bonne” (attic rooms) of the Paris of Haussmann. Often used as the location of choice for many novels and films from James Baldwin’s Giovanni's Room to Emily in Paris’ overly romanticised interpretation, it also inspired Vincente Minnelli and Cedric Gibbons’ production of iconic film An American in Paris. The film tells the story of the life of young American painter Jerry Mulligan in post-war Paris as he finds himself falling for Lise, a local who is already promised to a cabaret singer. By clicking on this image you can access a one minute video of Jerry Mulligan’s morning routine where we see him manage, through a series of clever engineering strategies and customisation, to transform his room from bedroom to kitchen to living room. His bed goes up to the ceilings, the tables unfolds and roll. No need for complex transitions or shift in frame, the room just unfolds itself to the viewer and adapts to the needs of its inhabitant.
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