While critics and fans alike are still processing mixed feelings over the book turned crime drama House of Gucci, the blockbuster tells the captivatingly godfather-esk origin story of the famous fashion house. With stars like Lady Gaga and co-stars like Jared Letto, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, and Jeremy Irons, the film was surely an attention grabber when released in theaters last year. But as it comes to streaming services on Feb. 1 and DVD on Feb. 22, critics beg to ask the controversial question, “is it truly worth the watch?”
The film follows an instant love connection when Patrizia Reggiani (played by Lady Gaga) meets Mauricio Gucci (played by Adam Driver), but turns quickly into a story of tension-filled family ties, lost love, and murder. Upon marriage, and starting a family, outside of the reluctant wishes of Rodolfo Gucci (played by Jeremy Irons) Patrizia and Mauricio along with the rest of the Gucci family begin to see conflicting visions for the family-owned fashion brand. With their eccentric and dopey cousin Paolo Gucci, played by Jared Leto, wanting to design more out of the box clothing, to Aldo Gucci, played by Al Pacino, seeking to gain the brand money by any means necessary, Patrizia and Mauricio are forced to save the family business by taking charge. In a series of twisting events from backstabbing family members to a scandalous affair, the Gucci story ends with a murder that solidified the fashion house’s legacy.
With a dynamic plot and a star-studded cast, many fans flocked to see the film and appeared to enjoy it. With a rating of 6.9/10 by the Internet Movie Database and 3.7 out of 5 stars by Rotten Tomatoes, average audience members seemed to enjoy the film. But acclaimed critics have had more than a few choice words.
As reported by Billboard
Slate: House of Gucci’s two-hour-and-forty-minute running time, for me, did not fly by on swift wings. This overstuffed and ungainly film might have made more sense in a six- or eight-hour miniseries format
New York Times: “The kindest thing I can say about House of Gucci — and also the cruelest — is that it should have been an Italian movie. Set mostly in Milan, it spins out a sprawling, chaotic, borderline-operatic tale of family feuding, sexual jealousy and capitalist intrigue, with plenty of drinks, cigarettes, and snacks (the carpaccio comes highly recommended)…But for all that abundance, something is missing. A lot of things, really, but mostly a strong idea and a credible reason for existing”
Variety: “House of Gucci is an icepick docudrama that has a great deal of fun with its grand roster of ambitious scoundrels, but it’s never less than a straight-faced and nimbly accomplished movie.”
ABC News: Maybe you’ve heard that House of Gucci is an overlong jumble of overwrought acting and over-the-top Italian accents. Relax. Buy a ticket to this ravishing soap opera about high fashion and higher crimes and you’re in for the year’s most seductive guilty pleasure. Except why feel guilty about having a blast? Bloody murder hasn’t been this delicious since Knives Out… Is it outrageous camp or The Godfather in designer duds? I’m calling a tossup.
The Blue Ray DVD and digital package is set to include bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage, creation of costume pieces, and director details on how the film came together. And while critics might continue to express their critiques of the film, it is possible that the new features added on the Blu-Ray DVD and digital package could offer more insight to the stylistic choices made for the film. With all this House of Gucci proves to be a film worth taking a second look as it’s released to digital streaming, on demand, and DVD.
