What have I been doing this week? I’m glad you asked! Here’s what’s been on my watchlist this week:

*Note: My reviews usually contain spoilers. You have been warned. Proceed at your own risk.*

Movies

House of Gucci (2021)

Ridley Scott is having an eventful year, having directed two historical films based on real-life events, The Last Duel released in October and now House of Gucci (2021). He also seems to have gained an affinity for Adam Driver, who has been featured in both. I have most definitely been anticipating this film more, not just for its cast but also for its story and the world it’s set in.

Taking us on a journey of the rise – and eventual fall – of Patrizia (Lady Gaga) and Maurizio Gucci, House of Gucci tells the intricate tale of the inner workings of the illustrious fashion house. The family-owned company was largely controlled by Maurizio’s uncle Aldo (Al Pacino), since his absentee father wanted nothing to do with the running of the business. Even when Rodolfo (Jeremy Irons) did get involved, it was largely to limit them, whether that meant stopping his brother from spreading the business too far and wide or to keep his incompetent nephew, Paolo (Jared Leto) in check. When Patrizia finally gets her hooks in the business, however, there’s no stopping her from getting what she wants, egging her husband on in taking an interest in the business.

More often than not, we see her plotting to oust Aldo and Paolo when she isn’t being paranoid about those around the business or getting tarot card readings from her psychic. While we get very clear insight into her line of thinking, we don’t however get much into Maurizio’s. It is unclear whether he truly wanted control of the business in his later years, if he cared for his wife in their time together, if he regretted the turn his company and his life ended up taking after he drove his family out.

While I did largely enjoy the film, it definitely had some glaring issues. The pacing was off, with the first half moving at a snail’s pace, and the second leaving a lot of gaps in the story. The performances were overall good; however, the accents seemed to go in and out as the actors pleased. The only person who seemed to commit to the Italian-ness of his character was Leto, and he came off as cartoonish and extremely stereotypical.

However, even though the film wasn’t perfect, I definitely learned a lot about the Italian fashion house, and it has inspired me to do some research of my own on the people behind the eccentric characters. I felt genuinely upset to learn about Maurizio’s untimely demise at his ex-wife’s hands, and wanted to know more about the structure of the company and its shareholders today.