HOUSE OF GUCCI (2021)

An Entertaining Drama that Runs out of Steam

Grade: C+

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House of Gucci illustrates how even an entertaining movie cannot sustain itself without enough energy. The first half was the best time this reviewer has had in theaters in a while, with its fast pace, infectious charm, and outrageous supporting performances, not to mention its relatively easy to follow plot. But as time passes and the excitement dies down, the story starts to drag and the viewer is left sitting around waiting for the assassination of Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) to hurry up and happen.

Taking place from the late '70s to the mid-90's, the movie follows Patrizzia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) and her dealings in the fashion empire Gucci after she becomes part of the family by marrying Maurizio, the son of Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons). Emotionally distant from his father, Maurizio decides to join Patrizzia's father's family business, but she wants more and, under the advice of a fortune teller named Pina (Salma Hayek), starts pulling strings to make Maurizio the main shareholder of Gucci. Eventually, Maurizio grows weary of his wife's manipulative ways and cuts ties with her. As he continues to work on the future of the empire, Patrizzia decides to get deadly.

As previously mentioned, the first half of House of Gucci is awesome. Most movies by Ridley Scott have a serious tone, which makes the charming nature of Gucci all the more delightful. The relationship between Maurizio and the wide-eyed Patrizia in the opening scenes have an almost romantic comedy feel to them, especially when a pop song plays on the soundtrack at their wedding. Their joy at the occasion has a tendency of spilling over to the audience so that we simply have to smile along with them. There are also some funny editing choices, such as Maurizio's uncle Aldo (Al Pacino) saying he is going to jump out of a cake at his birthday, which is immediately followed by a smash cut to a lake in Italy where his party is taking place. It is such a sudden shift after a goofy line that this reviewer couldn't help but laugh.

All the actors give fine performances, but Al Pacino and Jared Leto are the most entertaining and enthusiastic. Pacino perfectly conveys joy whenever his character meets Patrizzia and Maurizio, as well as bitter disappointment when he is finally persuaded to sign over his shares to Maurizio. But it is Leto who steals the show. Playing Aldo's son Paolo, he is decked out in makeup that makes him even more unrecognizable than when he played the Joker. Seeing him act, one might think he thought he was in a comedy. Just about everything he does and says is so insanely over-the-top (including a scene where he takes out his frustration on his uncle Rodolfo's scarf) that he becomes the comic relief in the movie. He is simply a joy to watch.

But around halfway through the film, after Patrizia and Maurizio separate, the energy dissipates and yet the movie keeps going. And going. We are treated to a few more funny moments, but overall the tone becomes as serious as one would expect from Sir Scott. The story immerses itself in details about Maurizio's handling of the company for such a long time, and we wonder where is this going. By the time Maurizio is assassinated, the interest is all but lost. The movie is just not all that exciting anymore.

House of Gucci is not a terrible movie or even a bad one. It is very well-made, has great humor and performances, and features some extravagant locations and sets, including the Swiss alps and a foggy morning in New York City. There is also a white color palette to the movie's aesthetic that is visually pleasing. But the story was a half hour or so too long, and the humor and charm that energized the first half would have made the movie a total delight if it had been there in the second half. Overall, it isn't Ridley Scott's best work, but House of Gucci is still worth a look. It just needed a little more energy and a lot less runtime.

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Director: Ridley Scott

Screenplay: Becky Johnston, Roberto Bentivegna (Based on the book by Sara Gay Forden)

Producers: Ridley Scott, Giannina Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam

Cast: Lady Gaga (Patrizia Reggiani), Adam Driver (Maurizio Gucci), Jared Leto (Paolo Gucci), Jeremy Irons (Rodolfo Gucci), Salma Hayek (Giuseppina "Pina" Auriemma), Al Pacino (Aldo Gucci), Jack Huston (Domenico De Sole), Reeve Carney (Tom Ford), Camille Cottin (Paola Franchi)

Rated: R (for language, some sexual content, and brief nudity and violence)