After The Last Duel (2021), House of Gucci is the second work of ambitious aging Oscar-winning director, Ridley Scott. With big names from Hollywood A-list actors, the story of this Gucci family drama is too dense even though it has taken more than two hours.
It started in 1978, when Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) a beautiful woman met Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), the only child of Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons) who owns 50% shares of the fashion brand.
The two of them got married. Maurizio was not initially interested in managing the brand. But at the instigation of Patrizia, he finally got rid of his uncle, Aldo Gucci (Al Pacino) who owns the other 50% stake on charges of tax evasion. As well as dumping Aldo’s son, Paolo Gucci (Jared Leto) on charges of copyright infringement.
Abundant wealth, Maurizio’s hedonistic lifestyle and his problems with Patrizia throw Gucci’s finances into disarray. Until in the end the other shareholder handed over the leadership to Rudolfo’s loyal lawyer, Dominico De Sole (Jack Huston).
The star-studded ‘Telenovela’
The film House of Gucci depicts the life of fashionistas in Milan in the 1970s which is full of parties, branded goods, and sports cars like Lamborghini and Ferrari. Shows how the fashion dynasty that was previously owned by the Gucci family fell due to betrayal and greed.
Of course, the detailed touches built into the film’s picture and sound are impeccable. From disco music to the glamor of the fashion world and the classy look of each character with a charming wardrobe. Not to mention the 80s landscape in Milan, New York, to the Alps. House of Gucci is very pleasing to the eye.
Instead of the usual Hollywood crime drama class, Ridley presents a telenovela style, complete with Italian accents that may sound fancy, or even distracting. Do not forget the romance story full of intrigue, jealousy, and competition that melts from beginning to end.
The plot twists drastically from the happily married life of a young couple Patrizia and Maurizio to a drama full of cunning wits to bring each other down. Brings a twisty biographical drama but seems flat, and may even be considered boring for some viewers.
Lady Gaga is proving that she’s not just passing through as an actor after performing admirably in A Star is Born (2018). At the House of Gucci , his dynamic performance was evident from start to finish. Even so with Jared Leto who appeared comedic wrapped in prosthetics. Looks awesome and always steals the attention in every appearance.
Too many subplots
The film is based on the non-fiction book by journalist Sara Gay Forden entitled House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamor, and Greed (2001). Tells the story of the original scandals that happened to the Gucci family, from the downfall of their fashion business to the murder of Maurizio Gucci.
It took Scott 157 minutes to retell the phenomenal story of the beginning of the encounter between the heir to the dynasty of the famous fashion brand, Maurizio Gucci, and Patrizia who became his wife and mastermind behind his murder. Even so, the story is still too dense to tell.
There are so many plots shown. With a setting that stretches from the late 70’s to early 90’s, too many stories sometimes appear as snippets to decorate the story. Important, but too complex and complex for a phenomenal story that shocked the world in its time.
The film House of Gucci itself is one of the ‘camp’ films with a focus on aesthetics. Especially with all the themes about fashion and a hedonic lifestyle full of luxury. Plus a star-studded cast that has its own aura that unfortunately collides with each other.
More interesting scandals than movies
One of the things that weighs heavily on any adaptation of a true story is keeping it interesting. Especially if the story told is a big scandal that is already known to many people and is even very interesting without having to be retold. This is what makes the expectations of the Patrizia scandal and the Gucci family increase.
Different tones from beginning to end bring this film to flow as if without direction. Supported by good visuals and drama full of intrigue, each plot has its own strengths. But unfortunately not merged into a unified film.