HANDBAGS AT DAWN

I was recently persuaded to read House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden, and then also to take in Ridley Scott’s movie version. I guess I had felt that it would not be my thing, for one reason or another, however, I simply loved the film and fairly enjoyed the book. I think that if one is to take anything away from the story, it should be (1) Hell have no wrath like a bunny-boiler scorned, and (2) Greed, ambition, and treachery, is rarely out of style in elite family circles.
The Gucci family story is an interesting one to say the least, the geeky looking heir of the famous leather producing Tuscan family goes against his father’s (Jeremy Irons in the film) wishes by marrying Patrizia (Lady Gaga). The story is told through the perspective of Patrizia, which helps viewers appreciate what it would be like to progress from middle-class to the crème de la crème. The film is cheerfully entertaining, with wonderful sets, locations and great period vibes.
The acting is good too, particularly Driver as Maurizio Gucci, Pacino as Aldo Gucci, and American/Italian – Gaga, who surprised with a decent performance too. For me however, the star of the film is undoubtably Jared Leto, who should be considered for an award, if only for his comedy performance and uncanny Italian accent. On that note, Salma Hayek’s Italian accent was a tad too Mexican for me, and the less said out Irons, the better, but hey, maybe thats just me.
The author, a former Milan based editor of the magazine L’Una, obviously meticulously researched her book and has cleverly fused two plots together by telling the history and marketing route of the business family, alongside the murderous story of materialistic Patrizia and the traitorous Maurizio. Now, if you’re interested in Gucci’s history in the international stock market and banking world, then great, try the book, but if that’s all a tad boring for you, then thankfully the film provides some great characters, sensational scenes, and comes across as half Italian opera and half East End soap opera.
In the end, I enjoyed the book but loved the movie. I particularly liked Domenico de Sole. The one time shadow dwelling lawyer for Rodolfo Gucci, reminded me of the Al Neri character from Godfather Part II, in that he is cool, quiet and calculating. Who else was better placed to step up and take control when the proverbial hit the fan. I think I was often reminded of Livia (remember I, Claudius?) the wife of Augustus Caesar, at least with regards to Patrizia. At times too, the whole drama was akin to the Julio/Claudian Roman era itself, and this made it both dramatic and intense from start to finish. For this alone, I would recommend the movie.

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