House of Gucci (Movie Review)

Ridley Scott's 2021 biographical crime drama House of Gucci follows the legendary Gucci family from their beginnings in fashion. Based on Sara Gay Forden's book The House of Gucci, this movie delves into scandal, jealousy and murder to explore these themes.

Gaga stars as Patrizia Reggiani, an Italian socialite who desires nothing more than to rule her husband's company. When Rodolfo passes away without including Maurizio's name in his will, she uses her Machiavellian ambitions to gain control of the business.

Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga)

Lady Gaga stars as Patrizia Reggiani in Ridley Scott's House of Gucci, a 2021 film about power struggles within Italian fashion company. Based on Sara Gay Forden's 2001 book of the same name, it follows an affluent socialite who falls in love with Gucci founder Adam Driver (Gaga), leading to spirals of betrayal, decadence, revenge and murder.

In addition to trying on 54 different hairstyles and employing method acting, the 35-year-old actress had to adopt mannerisms and an Italian accent in order to fully embody Reggiani. She even lived in Italy for a few months in order to dull her usual glamourous image - which allowed the character's features to truly come into focus.

According to The Daily Beast, in order to get to know Patrizia better, the actress visited her mother in Milan and watched videos about her. Additionally, she read Italian fashion magazines and a book about her husband.

Reggiani was allowed to keep a pet ferret while helping other inmates with their hair and nails. She also kept up her garden and enjoyed relaxing in the prison yard, according to The Guardian.

She eventually got out of prison in 2016 after serving 18 years, and was hired to design jewellery for costume and jewelry firm Bozart, reports Screen Rant. Additionally, British Vogue reported seeing her strolling around upscale neighborhoods with her macaw parrot.

Italian media celebrated her release from prison with joy upon hearing of it. Known as "The Black Widow," she has no qualms about hiring a hitman to murder her husband Maurizio Gucci, yet still receives an annual pension of $1.47 million from the Gucci estate that was awarded to her after release in 2015. Additionally, it's believed that she still owns her home in Milan which was awarded to her in 2015.

Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver)

Ridley Scott's latest movie is a true-crime drama that follows the murder of Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) and its aftermath. While some critics have panned its over-the-top performances and Italian accents straight out of "Super Mario," it actually accurately portrays Patrizia Reggiani's (Lady Gaga's) conviction in connection with this crime.

In addition to Patrizia, the story also highlights other people associated with the fashion house. These include Domenico who served as president and CEO; Paula Franchi, Maurizio's long-time friend; and Tom Ford - a Texan designer.

Although Maurizio Gucci (Jeremy Irons) was disinherited by his father Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons), his uncle Aldo Gucci (Al Pacino) later brought him back into the family business. In a scene set in New York that is supposed to take place at Ford's factory, Maurizio takes De Sole's advice and hires Ford in an attempt to revitalize and bring life back into their brand.

Throughout the film, Maurizio and Patrizia have numerous heated arguments, leading to his increasing isolation. Eventually, he flees to Switzerland on his motorcycle.

While in Italy, he met Pina Auriemma who he believes to have been responsible for the murder. When he returned home, he was found guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced to 29 years in prison.

As the film progresses, Maurizio and Patrizia divorce. Maurizio then sells his shares to Investcorp, signalling that the Gucci family is no longer involved with the brand.

As a result, he struggles to find success at Gucci. He doesn't receive the recognition he deserves and eventually has to leave. Subsequently, he sues Gucci for breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, as well as for use of his own name; ultimately winning but having to pay out-of-pocket legal fees.

Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons)

Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons) is the patriarch of Italian fashion brand Gucci. Born in Florence in 1914, he joined the company in 1953 when he divided his shares with older brother Aldo.

He was an acclaimed businessman and designer, as well as Gucci's Chief Creative Officer. He is credited with developing the iconic "double G" trademark logo. Additionally, he designed the first polo shirt in Gucci family history as well as designing Grace Kelly's embroidered Flora scarf using fabrics designed by Gucci.

Jeremy Irons says the role of Rodolfo has always held appeal for him, and the character has plenty of personality in real life. He believes the film accurately captures his bold nature, and believes it to be an accurate portrayal of him.

Jared Leto, who plays Rodolfo's nephew Paolo, stands out in the movie with his daring style and unconventional mannerisms. He wears a shaved hairstyle and fat suit while speaking in an uptuned voice that sets him apart from most of the other characters.

This movie follows three turbulent decades in Sara Gay Forden's 2001 book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed.

The film follows Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) and Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), two members of the Gucci family who marry and struggle for control of the fashion house. Starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jack Huston, Salma Hayek and Al Pacino in leading roles.

Aldo Gucci (Al Pacino)

Aldo Gucci was a Florence-born businessman who helped to shape the fashion empire of his family name. Established by his father in 1921, Gucci's Italian label had grown to encompass 14 stores and 46 franchised boutiques around the world by 1974, distinguished by bamboo handles, double G motifs, water- and wear-proof canvas items.

As the company continued to expand, he opened shops in New York City and Tokyo. In Rome, a shop on Via Condotti proved so popular that Vogue labeled it the "Italian handbag capital" in 1969.

He was instrumental in the design of many Gucci products, such as the iconic horse-bit loafer and bag. Additionally, he was an ardent philanthropist, founding Children's Aid Society and providing housing for homeless individuals.

In 1990, he succumbed to prostate cancer in Rome. Despite his numerous brushes with the law, he left behind a legacy of quality that was unrivaled by competitors.

Gucci is renowned for its luxurious fashions, which were beloved by celebrities like Jackie Kennedy. And it's easy to understand why; the Italian fashion brand was once a successful family enterprise with both founder's sons taking charge of the business.

What happens when family members disagree?

In House of Gucci, based on Sara Gay Forden's 2001 book of the same name, we get an inside look into some of the turbulent moments in their history. Starring Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci and Jeremy Irons as Rodolfo Gucci, House of Gucci offers viewers a rare look into some of Gucci's difficult decisions.

Unfortunately, the film takes liberties with the real story. For instance, Maurizio's disinherited father cast him out of the family, and it takes Aldo (Al Pacino) to bring him back in. Additionally, Rodolfo (Jeremy Irons) attempts to accept his new son and wife by welcoming Patrizia into their fold as well.

Paolo Gucci (Jared Leto)

Jared Leto's portrayal of an ex-Gucci designer turned family black sheep in House of Gucci was uncanny realistic. The actor donned prosthetics to capture the late fashion designer, while makeup artist Goran Lundstrom helped him achieve a look that seemed both natural and surreal.

Leto stars as Paolo Gucci, the cousin of Adam Driver's Maurizio and Al Pacino's Aldo. Based on Sara Gay Forden's book of the same name, this film follows the turbulent life of the Gucci family through their eyes.

The movie opens with Lady Gaga's character Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) threatening to kill Aldo Gucci over their company's clandestine sale of low-priced fake Gucci items on the black market. Patrizia is assisted in her plans by Pina, a psychic who claims she can help her gain control of the business.

Patrizia devises a plan to purchase some of Aldo and Paolo's shares, then manipulates Maurizio into participating. By doing this, she gains control over the company in exchange for her promise that she can design her own line of clothes.

At the height of the drama, Maurizio and Paola flee to Switzerland where Maurizio reconnects with an old friend Paola Franchi. Ultimately, Maurizio sells his shares to Paolo and launches Gucci Milano as a new venture.

However, Maurizio is soon cast aside when arrested for forging the signature of Rodolfo Gucci - son of founder Guccio - which proved to be false. After discovering that he is actually the true owner of the company, Maurizio and his family relocate to America.

Though Leto's portrayal of Paolo Gucci has been praised, the heirs to Aldo Gucci have publicly condemned the film. In a statement issued Monday, they stated that Scott's work fails to take into account their family's 70-year legacy as an inclusive and diverse company.

The Story of a Star is Born

Stars are formed when clouds of gas and dust collide due to gravity's pull. Once heated enough, nuclear fusion takes place - creating the structure we know as a star!

A star forms when hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium in its core. This nuclear reaction generates energy and heats the core of the star.

The Story

Hollywood has long been a fan of the story of how a star is born, but Bradley Cooper's latest version with Lady Gaga as director took things to another level. It's one of the most beloved films ever made and its tale of fame and addiction will appeal to generations across the globe.

The 1937 original A Star Is Born was inspired by the turbulent marriage between Tinseltown actors Frank Fay and Barbara Stanwyck, who both suffered from alcoholism and physical abuse. William A. Wellman, who wrote the movie's story as a close friend of the couple, used their relationship as the source for much of its dialogue in his Oscar-winning screenplay.

In 1954, George Cukor transformed the film into a musical. Starring Judy Garland and James Mason as lead characters Norman Maine and Esther Blodgett, respectively, it marked the first of many A Star Is Born remakes over time, including one in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.

Although this classic tale of star birth has been adapted multiple times over the years, it remains worth watching for its timeless message and stunning performance from Garland as Esther Blodgett. The film charts Norman's declining career while Esther blossoms into a successful singer.

As Esther's career progresses, Esther begins to question whether she is as pure as she believes herself to be and her relationship with Norman starts to unravel. Ultimately, Esther decides to forgo her career in order to care for him better - ultimately leading him to commit suicide.

Though this is a tragic conclusion, it's also realistic. The film does an excellent job of depicting the trials that come with fame as Norman and Esther struggle with addiction issues while working together to get their career back on track.

It also emphasizes the business side of music, and how difficult it can be to stay healthy while working in it. This topic is increasingly pertinent in an age when stardom is no longer seen as a mysterious thing.

Plot

Star is Born is not a new movie, but the 2018 version starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga is by far its most recent rendition. As someone who appreciates both the film and music, I'm thrilled to see these two stars share the screen together - hopefully it will be an overwhelming success!

Despite its legendary past, 1937's A Star is Born was actually the first time it was filmed and follows an upstart actress Esther Blodgett (Janet Gaynor) as she attempts to reach fame by enlisting help from a famous actor. The result was an iconic movie with many modern moviemaking elements like Gaynor's romantic score and memorable musical number.

The original is by far the most impressive of the four movies to hit our screens, and it was also one of the most enjoyable to watch. Even though I'm not a huge fan of Bradley Cooper, he did an admirable job capturing the chemistry necessary for this story to work. Additionally, I was amazed by its technical aspects - including multiple cameras and synced sound from an actual piano being played during songs - plus its visual effects were incredible!

Characters

Character creation, whether you're crafting fiction or nonfiction, is a critical element of any story. While it can seem intimidating at first, with some knowledge and tips in your arsenal, you'll be able to craft memorable, relatable characters that readers will enjoy reading about.

Character types commonly encountered in stories include the protagonist, anti-hero and everyday Joe/Jane. Each has an important role to play within the plotline.

Protagonist - This character is the central figure in the story and revolves around whom everything else revolves. Their choices will shape everything else around them, whether through internal conflict, external conflicts with another character, nature/technology/society forces or fates/God.

Dynamic Characters - Characters who change throughout the story, showing their growth and shifting personalities. Their decisions can be positive or negative, but their changes will have more of an effect on the plotline than if they remained static.

Anti-Hero - These characters are usually negative in outlook and possess an underlying desire to destroy the protagonist. Their motivations usually stem from self-interest or seeking revenge for something that happened to them in their past lives. Examples of anti-heroes include Kevin Spacey's Frank Underwood on House of Cards and Jack Nicholson's Joker in Batman Returns.

In A Star is Born, Jackson Maine (played by Bradley Cooper) is an alcoholic who has reached a low point in his career due to alcoholism. He meets Ally (Lily Gaga), who has talent and is on the rise.

As the story progresses, Jackson and Ally fall in love and marry. Jackson's career continues to decline while his addiction worsens; on the contrary, Ally's business venture becomes a huge success.

The ending of each version differs, but all feature a scene where the rising star's first major award wins are undone by her absent husband. This plot device dates back to William A. Wellman's original A Star is Born (1961), written by Janet Gaynor and starring Fredric March.

Music

A Star Is Born tackles some heavy topics such as drug addiction, celebrity culture and depression head-on with powerful songs that further develop its characters and tell the tale without being too over-the-top or sentimental.

This story follows singer Ally as she rises from obscurity and becomes embroiled in an intense affair with musician Jackson Maine. Their connection is complicated by Ally's personal struggles with fame and addiction, however.

Music in this story is an ancient and powerful art form with a long-standing tradition that dates back centuries. It has been used to communicate, celebrate and perform various social, religious and rite of passage ceremonies.

Music's earliest forms were performed privately or publicly by shamans and bards, who sang to themselves or played an instrument for self-accompaniment. Later on, musicians would perform in front of an audience as part of concerts or festivals.

Musicians create the music, but it is the performers who bring it to life. This often necessitates using various instruments like voice as well as guitars, trumpets and drums for maximum impact.

Instruments in music can create various effects and changes to how it sounds, such as expression, volume, timbre and texture.

These elements can all be utilized in a song to convey meaning and emotion. They may also be combined with other components of the composition to produce an effect unique to that particular piece of music.

A star is born boasts an eclectic soundtrack, composed by various artists and producers. This includes some of country music's biggest names like Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna as well as Lukas Nelson - who inspired Bradley Cooper's character in the movie.

The A Star Is Born soundtrack has already had a remarkable run on the charts with its first single, "Shallow". It has earned multiple nominations and become one of the top selling albums in 2010. Expect it to become both a critical and box office success as well, potentially elevating Lady Gaga to global stardom.