Tom Ford has written a review of House of Gucci for Airmail and we’re not sure whether he loved the film or hated it. Maybe a little bit of both?
The famed fashion designer, who worked alongside Maurizio Gucci for four years and personally knew many of the people depicted in the film, kicks off his review by writing, “I recently survived a screening of the two-hour-and-37-minute film that is House of Gucci.”
From there, Ford does a deep dive into picture, which he says “rivals the nighttime soap Dynasty for subtlety but does so with a much bigger budget” and often left him wondering if “I wasn’t watching a Saturday Night Live version of the tale.”
Here are a few highlights from the rest of his review…
On his initial reaction upon leaving the theater:
The film is … well, I’m still not quite sure what it is exactly, but somehow I felt as though I had lived through a hurricane when I left the theater. Was it a farce or a gripping tale of greed? I often laughed out loud, but was I supposed to?
On Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci:
Leto as Paolo does have some of the best lines in the film and manages to actually piss on the famed Gucci Flora scarf created for Princess Grace. I was jealous of that. It was something that I always wanted to do myself, as I was constantly being asked to try to revive that damned scarf.
On Salma Hayek as Pina Auriemma:
Salma Hayek is great, as always, but she’s under-utilized in her role as the television psychic Pina Auriemma, who is key in the saga. The casting of Hayek is particularly inspired given that her husband is the current owner of Gucci, a fact which will be lost on the mainstream audience.
On Lady Gaga as Patrizia Gucci:
The true star of the film for me is Gaga. It is her film, and she steals the show. In her often over-the-top portrayal of Patrizia Gucci, her accent migrates occasionally from Milan to Moscow. But who cares? Her performance is spot-on. Her face is the thing that one can’t take one’s eyes off of. When she is on-screen, she owns the frame—not an easy task with so many seasoned and talented cast members vying for our attention. Too many, in fact.
On the film’s “camp” factor:
I was deeply sad for several days after watching House of Gucci, a reaction that I think only those of us who knew the players and the play will feel. It was hard for me to see the humor and camp in something that was so bloody. In real life, none of it was camp. It was at times absurd, but ultimately it was tragic.
On whether House of Gucci will be a hit:
Splash the Gucci name across things and they usually sell.
jayceecook
I read his review days ago and it’s painfully clear that he did not like the film. Why Q has to pretend otherwise is simply stupid. There is no subtly in his words. One can like a particular thing or two in an otherwise crappy film whilst still acknowledging it is a crappy film. HOG is a mess plain and simple. I don’t get all the praise for Lady Gaga. She chews through every scene she’s in you wonder if craft services was even provided during filming. She’s definitely good at bringing that high camp energy to the role and she doesn’t seem out of place considering Leto’s ridiculous performance however it, as Ford says, makes light out of something that isn’t. I’m just not sure Ridley Scott knew what the tone of the film should be. I feel he just said eff it and rolled camera.
Essie
I read the piece (which was very good) and thought he hated the movie and everyone in it, except for Gaga. I also don’t think he was really praising Gaga’s acting but just the fact he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He also loved the fashion (of course) but he hated everything else. He laughed. This isn’t a comedy, it’s a tragedy so he was laughing at the awful performances or the awful storyline. Also, I think he is VERY wrong that this thing will be any kind of hit. Nobody cares. Nobody cares about Gucci except the clothes. What happened in 1995 is of no concern to anyone because 25 years ago is like something that happened during the reign of Caligula as far as young people who pay to go to the movies are concerned.
jayceecook
Except HOG had the best opening for a drama in the last two years at the box office. If it were not for the two family films that were out at the same time I’m sure it would have done even better. It’ll be interesting to see where the film lands after this coming weekend. If it doesn’t have a big drop and can build on what it made opening weekend then Ford will be right.
Man About Town
I just love it when people say “nobody cares” when you couldn’t possibly have any way of knowing if people care or not. Plus, if a film features Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Selma Hayek, Jared Leto and Jeremy Irons, all of whom have many fans, of course people will go see it regardless of what the film is about.
QJ201
Well Tom didn’t piss on the scarf (though he wanted to, classy), but will piss on this film. Haven’t seen HOC, but I just can’t take anything Ford says seriously after admitting that.
I’ve been upset at many things in my life, but urinating on things has never entered my mind as a way to express anger or frustration.
BLAKENOW
To each his own
I loved The House of Gucci but I loathed that movie Nocturnal Animals Tom directed.
Adam Driver was miscast
Gaga was flawless
There I said it