Inspired by the shocking true story behind the Italian fashion house of Gucci and based on Sara Gay Forden’s “The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed”, published in 2001, and with a screenplay by Becky Johnston and Roberto Bentivegna, the latest Ridley Scott film “House of Gucci” brings together a powerhouse of iconic and talented actors and crew that tells the story of the real-life family drama set at the critical era of the famed Italian fashion empire’s history.
Ridley Scott, best known for his works in classic films such as Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator and Thelma & Louise, brings his latest “House of Gucci” to cinemas around the globe – a thrilling exploration of three decades in the tangled history of the multi-generational Gucci family, a tale of ambition, greed, betrayal and murder. Oscar® nominees Adam Driver and Lady Gaga take on the roles of Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani respectively, along with Oscar® winners Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci, Jeremy Irons as Rodolfo Gucci and Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci while Oscar® nominee Salma Hayek plays Pina Auriemma.
House of Gucci is the latest in Ridley Scott’s unforgettable lineup of films for having his unique touch of visual sense meant for the big screen experience. From his classics and now, House of Gucci – call to mind indelible images in the minds of viewers, each film unique and distinctive. The reason, according to producer Walsh, is that “he hand-draws every single frame of the movie. By the time he gets to the set he’s done months of preparation and everyone knows exactly what they’re doing on any given day. The attention to detail is mind-blowing.”
“It’s almost as though the cast were all different musical instruments,” says Lady Gaga, “like an orchestra – everything from the drums to the bass to the brass to the woodwinds and strings. And because we’re all so different as actors, Ridley is the one conducting a symphony of all these different orchestral elements.”
House of Gucci not only depicts the end of the Gucci family’s control over its vast fashion empire, but the waning days of privately-owned fashion labels and the onset of conglomerate control of the industry. In that regard, says production designer Arthur Max, the film is a “rollicking romp with all the sounds and looks of the period and the world in which the main characters lived and played. As the story unfolds, however, you witness how these characters interact and how off-kilter their lives become. A sad tale really, but told in a very entertaining way.”
The care and attention that went into the film should provide the viewing public with pleasure on multiple levels, according to producer Kevin Walsh. “I hope audiences will take away a sense of enjoyment in the artistry of this film, which allows us to appreciate the work of a great troupe of filmmakers who take their work really seriously, but also have fun in trying to create a piece of entertainment. Story wise, I think they’ll take away the moral that money isn’t everything.”
But first and foremost, says Lady Gaga, “this movie is a genuinely good time. A wild ride and every second is entertaining. Part of Ridley’s magic is that, with all his artistic ways, ultimately, he wants the audience to enjoy themselves.”
House of Gucci opens January 19 in Philippine theaters from Universal Pictures International.
