The luxury fashion house Gucci, founded in Florence, Italy, 1921, by Guccio Gucci, is one of the world’s most well-known brands, bringing in over 11 billion Australian dollars in revenue in 2020 alone. The House of Gucci, written by Becky Johnston and directed by Ridley Scott, is the 2021 biographical drama that follows the story of Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), the once heir to 50% of Gucci, and Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), his then-wife.
Set in the 1970’s the film follows the romance between Reggiani and Gucci. Reggiani, a strong woman who knows what she wants, and Gucci, an awkward, more timid man. The performance from Driver and Gaga made it so beautiful to watch the characters dynamic change forms, both strengthening and weakening throughout.
I can truthfully say I could not find any faults in the House of Gucci as a stand-alone piece, the cast worked so well together on screen, giving seamless chemistry, and the costuming and sets made you feel like you were there in real-time. The overall plot was a great watch entertainment-wise, though I do, however, question the authenticity of it.
Intrigued after seeing the movie, I went back to research the documented history of the real-life of Patrizia Reggiani, and while it was suggested in the film that she was simply a calculated gold digger, and Maurizio a shy and defenceless man, unable to stand up for himself, I have found there are gaping holes that we didn’t get in the storyline.
This is not necessarily a poor quality in the film as it leaves room for the viewers to interpret characters and scenes in the way they view it as an individual. However, as this is noted to be based on true events, for me, it begs the question of the responsibility that writers and producers hold when recreating characters who have lived, and scenes that these people
have lived through. While in this case I did go back and do my research, I’m not always enticed to do so with biopics, and I’m led to believe there will be some viewers who will come away with an inaccurate understanding of the true events.
Despite all of that, the House of Gucci captivated me. Being close to three hours long, I predicted I would get distracted or restless throughout, but I was pleasantly surprised when I went the entirety of the film without feeling the urge to check my phone. I wouldn’t describe it as fast-paced, but it was in no way a slow burn.
If the movie was created with the main goal to entertain an audience, they have exceeded the mark, if they were aiming to bring to light the history of Gucci, I feel they may have missed it by a mile or two.
House of Gucci will be released in cinemas New Years Day.
