83-year-old Ridley Scott released two movies this year. “The Last Duel,” which absolutely deserves a Best Picture slot, and “House of Gucci,” a film that will most likely become a cult classic in the years to come.
In my 11.22.21 semi-positive review of “House of Gucci,” I wrote:
“In the end, what we have is an epic about how the Gucci family business gradually went downhill in the ’80s and ’90s, and how the daughter of a truck driver managed to be responsible for that downfall. By definition, “Gucci” is a fascinating wreck of a movie solely due to its tonally schizoid nature. It’s never boring, but so out of touch with reality that you at times wonder if Scott is in on the joke. The fact that he isn’t, or so it seems at least, turns it into the kind of movie whose destiny is to become a 3-hour meme.”
Consider me shocked by the love ‘Gucci’ got from SAG earlier this week, but maybe we should have all seen this coming.
Coming off a movie year where adult dramas underperformed at the box-office, “House of Gucci” was that rare breed that managed to make money ($127 million worldwide) and bring a mature audience to movie theaters. And yet, reviews weren’t all that good for ‘Gucci’. In fact, it was the butt of many jokes when it screened for press in late November. The performances were better received, from Lady Gaga to Jared Leto to Al Pacino, they carried the movie’s bumpy script with flair.
Right now, “House of Gucci” is 13th on the Gold Derby “experts” Power Rankings. Going up two spots since last month. I’m not sure why “Drive My Car” is ahead of it, that film almost stands no chance of getting nominated. That means, the main competition in Gucci’s quest to be in the final 10 lies in a three-way showdown between itself, “Tick, Tick .. Boom!” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
The power of “House of Gucci” not only lies in its SAG triumph earlier in the week, but, as mentioned, in its box-office power, star-studded cast, legendary filmmaker and the fact that it’s been a very weak year at the movies. In 2022, that might just be enough for Academy recognition.
Meanwhile, Sasha Stone, AwardsDaily’s keen Oscar observer, has “House of Gucci” 9th in her predictions race. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is 10th, no surprise since she and Jeffrey Wells have very much been pushing for that film to get a nomination, it might happen.
I like Sasha’s predictions quite a bit. She, more or less, has what I have — safe for my inclusion of “The Power of the Dog” at #1 and “Tick, Tick .. Boom!” at #10 instead of Spidey. The rest is quasi-similar to my own list.
The ‘Smile’ franchise has a new director. David Bruckner, who made “The Night House” and the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, has been hired to direct “Smile 3” for Paramount.