A fractured, hugely disappointing feature, House of Gucci focuses on the manipulative and ambitious Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga – A Star is Born, Machete Kills) as she climbs from her father’s garbage truck business to wife of Maurizio Gucci, heir to the family fortune.
Taking many liberties with the true story of the Gucci empire and eventual death of Maurizio (a surprisingly passionless Adam Driver – Marriage Story, The Report), director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, The Martian) looks to sensationalise an already extraordinary story of extreme wealth, family feuds, jealousies and murder. Yet there’s no context to the lineage, no history and therefore no emotional investment in the likes of Maurizio, cousin Paolo (an unrecognisable Jared Leto – Dallas Buyers Club, Suicide Squad) or New York-based uncle, Aldo (Al Pacino – Scarface, The Irishman).
It’s ham all the way in House of Gucci and a narrative where it feels most of the film ended up on the cutting room floor.
Nominated for 1 Oscar in 2022 – make up & hair.
Rating: 50%
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