Directed by
Ridley Scott
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Discover the intricate plot of House of Gucci (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1978, Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), a charming young Italian woman, is employed as an office manager for her father’s modest trucking business. Her life takes a significant turn when she crosses paths with Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), a law student and heir to the Gucci fashion legacy, thanks to his father Rodolfo (Jeremy Irons). With her relentless pursuit, Patrizia manages to charm the socially awkward Maurizio into a romantic relationship, even encouraging him to ask her out directly. Meanwhile, Rodolfo, who is suspicious of Patrizia’s intentions, warns Maurizio of her potential interest in his wealth, threatening to sever his ties to the Gucci fortune should he choose to marry her. However, love prevails, and Maurizio ultimately decides to leave his family’s legacy behind for Patrizia.
The couple’s wedding unfolds, leading Maurizio to take a position at the Reggiani trucking business. As Patrizia becomes pregnant, she sees their child as a doorway to mend family ties. She shares the news with Maurizio’s Uncle Aldo (Al Pacino), who welcomes the couple into the world of Gucci, teaching Patrizia about the ins and outs of the fashion empire, from the leather farms to the glamorous retailers. Aldo, residing in New York, invites them to celebrate his birthday in the city, and it is there that Patrizia witnesses the allure of the Japanese market through Aldo’s dealings.
At the same time, Aldo introduces Patrizia to his son Paolo (Jared Leto), who lacks talent but dreams of being a designer for Gucci. As Maurizio reconnects with his terminally ill father before his passing, Rodolfo drafts a will reinstating Maurizio, but a critical oversight—the lack of a signed transfer—leads Patrizia to forge her father-in-law’s signature to secure a 50% stake in Gucci.
Ambition fuels Patrizia’s desire for control, leading her to plot against Aldo and Paolo to swell her share. When she discovers counterfeit Gucci products flooding the market, she confronts Aldo, who reveals his intention of making Gucci a well-known brand rather than a luxury one. Seeking guidance from a psychic named Pina (Salma Hayek), Patrizia draws Maurizio into the company’s affairs, persuading him of Aldo’s detrimental influence.
As tensions rise, Paolo gathers evidence of Aldo’s tax evasion, trading it for a chance to design under Gucci’s name. Aldo is arrested, while Patrizia pins the blame on Paolo by manipulating police actions against him. Despite their efforts, Maurizio and Patrizia can’t acquire Paolo’s shares, leading Maurizio to escape with his family to Switzerland, where he rekindles a connection with his old acquaintance Paola Franchi (Camille Cottin). Frustrated by Patrizia’s overreach, Maurizio resolves to divorce her, seeking both personal and business independence.
While Maurizio struggles to maintain Gucci’s legacy, a significant deal involving Investcorp arises that draws Paolo back into the fray. Upon Aldo’s return from prison, he learns the grim truth of Maurizio’s schemes, leading to mounting family conflict. Eventually, Patrizia, feeling betrayed and desperate, enlists Pina to take drastic action against her husband—resulting in a hash of tragic consequences when hit-men execute Maurizio in broad daylight.
The film concludes by shedding light on the fates of key figures: Aldo succumbs to cancer in 1990, while Paolo faces hardship post-sale. Patrizia, Pina, and the hired assassins bear the brunt of justice, receiving lengthy prison sentences. Ultimately, Gucci thrives under Investcorp, devoid of any family ties, illustrating the depths of ambition and betrayal in the glittering world of fashion.
Track the key events of House of Gucci (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Patrizia's Background
In 1978, Patrizia Reggiani, a charming young Italian woman, works as an office manager in her father's trucking business. This modest job defines her early life, but her aspirations reach far beyond her current situation.
Meeting Maurizio Gucci
Patrizia crosses paths with Maurizio Gucci, a law student and heir to the Gucci fashion legacy. Their meeting sparks a romantic relationship, fueled by Patrizia's persistence in charming the socially awkward Maurizio.
Rodolfo's Warning
Maurizio's father, Rodolfo, expresses concern over Patrizia's intentions, suspecting her interest in his wealth. He warns Maurizio that marrying her could result in severing ties with the Gucci fortune, but love ultimately prevails.
The Wedding
The couple's wedding marks a new beginning for both, leading Maurizio to join the Reggiani trucking business. As Patrizia becomes pregnant, she views their child as a potential bridge to strengthen family bonds.
Entering the World of Gucci
Patrizia shares her pregnancy news with Maurizio's Uncle Aldo, who welcomes them into the Gucci empire. He introduces Patrizia to the inner workings of the business, igniting her passion for the world of high fashion.
Witnessing Market Allure
During a birthday celebration in New York, Patrizia observes the exciting potential of the Japanese market through Aldo's business dealings. This experience further fuels her ambitions within the Gucci brand.
Rodolfo's Illness and Will
As Maurizio reconnects with his terminally ill father, Rodolfo drafts a will reinstating his son in the Gucci legacy. However, a critical oversight regarding a signed transfer leads Patrizia to forge Rodolfo's signature.
Patrizia's Manipulation
Patrizia's ambition escalates as she plots against Aldo and Paolo to increase her stake in the company. She confronts Aldo over counterfeit products flooding the market, only to discover his intention to make Gucci more mainstream.
Paolo's Tax Evidence
Feeling underused, Paolo collects evidence against Aldo regarding tax evasion, leveraging it for the chance to become a designer for Gucci. This act of betrayal sets off a chain of events that culminates in familial strife.
Maurizio's Escape
Faced with the turmoil at home, Maurizio escapes to Switzerland with his family, seeking solace and reconnection with an old acquaintance, Paola Franchi. Meanwhile, his relationship with Patrizia deteriorates, leading him to contemplate divorce.
Investcorp Deal
A significant deal involving Investcorp emerges as Maurizio strives to maintain Gucci's reputation amid escalating conflicts. This deal signals a strategic pivot for the future of the brand, complicating family dynamics.
Aldo's Return and Conflict
Following Aldo's release from prison, he uncovers the betrayal by Maurizio, leading to heightened tensions within the Gucci family. The fight for control of the brand intensifies as personal loyalties clash.
Maurizio's Assassination
In a tragic culmination of ambition and betrayal, Patrizia hires hit-men to execute Maurizio in broad daylight. This drastic action changes the course of their lives forever, marking the ultimate betrayal.
Aftermath and Sentencing
As the dust settles, Aldo succumbs to cancer in 1990, and the aftermath of betrayal catches up with Patrizia, Pina, and the hired assassins, resulting in lengthy prison sentences for their roles in Maurizio's death.
Gucci's Legacy
Despite the chaos caused by personal vendettas, Gucci thrives under Investcorp without any family ties. The film concludes by highlighting the dark side of ambition and the cost of betrayal in the glamorous fashion industry.
Meet the characters that bring House of Gucci (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Patrizia Reggiani
Patrizia is a charming yet ambitious woman who seeks to rise from her modest beginnings to the pinnacle of high fashion. Initially motivated by love, her desire for power leads to her manipulation of family dynamics and dark decisions. Her character arc reflects a transformation from supportive partner to a ruthless schemer.
Maurizio Gucci
Maurizio is the heir to the Gucci fashion empire, caught between love for Patrizia and loyalty to his family legacy. His character represents the struggle for personal identity as he seeks independence from familial expectations, ultimately leading to his tragic fate. Maurizio’s journey is one of conflict, torn between two opposing worlds.
Rodolfo Gucci
Rodolfo is the protective father of Maurizio, embodying the traditional values of familial duty and skepticism. He is wary of Patrizia, fearing her intentions are driven by wealth rather than love. His character acts as a cautionary figure, highlighting the pitfalls of ambition and the fragile nature of family bonds.
Aldo Gucci
Aldo is the enthusiastic yet somewhat naïve uncle, eager to embrace change within the Gucci brand. His character represents the blend of tradition and modernity within fashion. Despite his warm demeanor, he eventually becomes a target of familial betrayal, symbolizing the darker side of ambition.
Paolo Gucci
Paolo is Aldo’s son, lacking the talent but full of dreams about designing for Gucci. His ambitions lead him to engage in dubious tactics to secure his place within the brand. Paolo’s character captures the struggle of those overshadowed by their family's legacy and the destructive consequences of envy.
Uncover the settings of House of Gucci (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1978-1990
The late 20th century was a transformative period for fashion, marked by the rise of luxury brands and shifting societal norms. This era saw the Gucci brand either flourish or falter under the weight of family drama, greed, and betrayal. The time also reflects the broader changes in business practices and fashion marketing strategies.
Location
New York, Switzerland
New York serves as a bustling backdrop for the rise and fall of the Gucci family, known for its vibrant fashion scene and luxury. The city not only embodies glamour but also signifies important events in the family’s business dealings. Switzerland represents a quieter, more contemplative escape for Maurizio, signifying his quest for personal freedom away from the family's legacy.
Explore the core themes of House of Gucci (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Betrayal
The theme of betrayal runs deeply throughout 'House of Gucci,' as characters continuously undermine one another for personal gain. Patrizia's transformation from a supportive spouse to a manipulative schemer highlights the moral decay that ambition can bring. Ultimately, the betrayal culminates in tragic outcomes, underscoring the destructive nature of greed.
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Fashion
Fashion serves as a prominent theme, symbolizing both luxury and identity. The film explores the glamorous yet cutthroat world of high fashion, where familial bonds are tested. Through the rise of the Gucci brand, it showcases how individuals navigate ambition, creativity, and personal expressions within a competitive industry.
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Ambition
Ambition is a driving force in the narrative, showcasing the lengths characters are willing to go to achieve their dreams. Patrizia's desire to control the Gucci legacy leads her on a path of manipulation and deceit. The film examines how unchecked ambition can lead to both success and devastating consequences.
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