House of Gucci: Excess in Excelsis

Ridley Scott’s lavish new feature has been garnering a slew of mixed reviews from critics; some praising its scale, cinematography and magnetic performances from its venerable cast--particular plaudits have been reserved for Lady Gaga’s portrayal of the vengeful Patrizia Reggiani. Others are less convinced; comparing it to a Godfather-esque parody with an identity crisis, unable to decipher whether it wants to be a comedy or drama.

The film chronicles the real-life assassination of Maurizio Gucci, of the illustrious Gucci family, by his then estranged wife Patrizia. The scandal sent shockwaves through the Italian press when Maurizio was murdered by a hitman in broad daylight in Milan in 1995. Initially Patrizia played the part of the distraught widow before investigations would uncover that she had orchestrated the execution of her husband. She and her accomplices were eventually apprehended and she received an initial 29-year sentence for her involvement in the crime.  

The film itself has been in the works for almost twenty years, having endured numerous budget, casting and directorial setbacks before finally being helmed by Scott in 2021. It boasts a roster of Oscar-winning stars, including Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Jeremy Irons. Adam Driver, Lady Gaga and Selma Hayak make up the impressive ensemble.

At a potentially bum-numbing 157 minutes long, the film is nothing short of epic; both in scale and ambition. Brimming with couture fashion (Gaga reputedly sported more than 70 outfits throughout the film); a glut of glamourous locations (from Lake Como to NYC); and a camp, retro soundtrack, it proves to be a thoroughly enjoyable assault to the senses. Backstabbing and machiavellian scheming aplenty occur as the ridiculous, soap-operatic plot unfolds in pearl-clutching fashion.

It is Gaga, appearing in only her second leading role as an actor, who steals the show. Her unhinged performance as Patrizia, a role which she has said to have inhabited both on and off-screen for nine months, is nothing short of a revelation. To any doubting Thomases or Alejandros, be warned: a killer movie star has been born.

Flawed though it may be--the less said of Jared Leto’s Super Mario accent, the better--House of Gucci is the epitome of escapist cinema; a delectably quotable cornucopia of glamour and trash, evoking laughter and head-scratching in equal measure. It is, undoubtedly, a sure-fire box-office smash.

3.5/5 Stars.

House of Gucci is in Cinemas now.