House of Gucci
With The Last Duel turning out to be a borderline masterpiece, odds were low that Ridley Scott would turn out two great films in the same year. Despite having a more favorable awards-season release date, House of Gucci indeed proves the lesser film, but remains a worthy view in the same vein of most shaggy, overlong Scott films.
No exercise in camp as many predicted, the fact-based drama straightforwardly chronicles the assimilation of Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) into the fashion dynasty clan by marrying Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) and, as a couple, gradually taking control of the company. Along the way, Scott and screenwriters Becky Johnston (The Prince of Tides) and Roberto Bentivegna loop in such colorful characters as Maurizio’s father Rodolfo (Jeremy Irons) and uncle Aldo (Al Pacino), depicting their opulent lifestyles in such an appealing manner that their allure for Patrizia and the steps she takes to maintain control make perfect sense.
As the empire’s aging leaders, Irons and especially Pacino are in full command of their talents, while Gaga holds her own as the saucy interloper and Jared Leto steals each of his scenes as Paolo Gucci, playing the family clown in appropriately grandiose fashion. Elsewhere, Jack Huston adds a layer of intrigue and distrust as ambitious attorney Domenico De Sole, but as the straight man in a cast of eccentrics, Driver delivers a rare lackluster performance, fumbling his Italian accent in practically every line.
Driver is further hampered by Maurizio’s sudden transformation into a slimeball, an unconvincing change that transpires so quickly and without explanation that one is left to deduce that a latent Gucci Asshole gene has kicked in. Coupled with Patrizia’s overlong dealings with TV psychic Pina Auriemma (Salma Hayek), the underdeveloped turn of events sends House of Gucci stumbling to the finish line, albeit via sufficient entertainment to get viewers there.
Grade: B-minus. Rated R. Now playing at AMC River Hills 10, the Fine Arts Theatre, and Regal Biltmore Grande.
(Photo: Fabio Lovino)
Blu-ray bonus features
The Rise of the House of Gucci – Go behind the scenes to discover how Ridley Scott’s vision of this astonishing story fell into place.
The Lady of the House – An up-close look at Lady Gaga’s performance as Patrizia Reggiani and how her powerhouse charisma and unwavering dedication breathe life into this complex character.
Styling House of Gucci – A deep dive into the visual delights of the film, from aesthetics to attitude.
