HOUSE OF GUCCI (15) ★★★II
REVIEWS BY DAMON SMITH
HIGH fashion meets high camp in Ridley Scott’s real-life crime drama about the Italian fashion house Gucci.
Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) is working at her father’s haulage firm when she meets Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), grandson of the fashion dynasty’s founder Guccio Gucci, at a party.
Infatuation piqued by the famous surname, Patrizia stalks Maurizio and worms her way into his affections to secure a seat at the dynastic table headed by Maurizio’s disapproving father Rodolfo (Jeremy Irons) and uncle Aldo (Al Pacino).
To wield greater influence, Patrizia marries Maurizio and encourages him to “take out the trash” at boardroom level so they can acquire a majority stake in the company.
Self-styled television psychic Pina (Salma Hayek) provides scheming minx Patrizia with counsel as her plan pits the couple against Maurizio’s extrovert cousin Paolo (Jared Leto).
“I’d rather see Gucci burn than hand it over to you two!” he snarls.
When Maurizio publicly undermines Patrizia and flirts with old friend Paola Franchi (Camille Cottin), the vengeful wife sets in motion a murderous plan to shed the emotional baggage that is slowing her ascent of the social ladder.
House of Gucci stomps the runway to a glorious 1990s soundtrack including a wedding choreographed to George Michael’s Faith.
Lady Gaga is mesmerising as a master manipulator, who believes that “a strong family makes a strong business” as she assiduously lops off the weakest branches of her marital family tree.
Leto is hysterical and scenes with Pacino are a battle of the caterwauls.
Caught between tragedy and high camp, Scott’s handsome picture is impeccably tailored to appeal to the widest possible audience without genuinely thrilling any of us.