Mise-en-Scene of Gucci

  House of Gucci

Welcome back my beautifuls to my blog! Today's topic is going to be about mise-en-scene, a French term that means "to put on scene". I just recently had the chance to see the movie "House of Gucci" I have to say it was amazing! So I was thinking wouldn't it be fun to analyze this movie based on Mise-en-Scene. 

Before we get into it lets talk a little bit about the movie itself, the film directed by Ridley Scott, it features the chaotic family dynamics behind the luxury fashion brand Gucci. One of my personal favorite singer and actor stars in the movie, Lady Gaga, along with other stars like Adam Driver, Jared Leto, and La Pacion, the movie uses amazing visuals which we will analyze to further improve the storytelling of the movie. So let’s get to it!

First we have to talk about the costume design used in the movie, it plays an important role as the costumes bring authenticity to the time periods showed throughout the movie, it also helps define  each character. The costume designer for the film Janty Yates created a wardrobe that shows both the changing fashions of the time and personalities of the characters.

For instance, Patrizia Reggiani, played by Lady Gaga, undergoes a dramatic style transformation throughout the film. In the beginning, her style is simple, hinting to reflect her working-class origin. Then as she marries into the Gucci family, her style becomes increasingly luxurious, mirroring her growing ambition and obsession with wealth and status. Her costumes not only indicate her social status but also foreshadow her greed that leads to her downfall. Similarly, Adam Driver's character, Maurizio Gucci, undergoes a costume change that reflects his changing identity. In the beginning Maurizio is dressed in modest, preppy attire, suggesting his reluctance to embrace the Gucci legacy. However, as he takes control of the company, his style becomes more polished and refined, this shows the audience his acceptance of the family brand.

Next the location and setting used in the movie is also something that should not be overlooked. The movie sets place in Italy more specifically, Milan the film's setting transports the viewer into a luxurious worlds of the Gucci family, the movie features high-end villas, extravagant offices, and the fashion scenes of Milan. The production design captures the aesthetic of each era.

The directors use a choice of warm lighting and earthy tines in certain scenes that helps convey a sense of heritage, while cooler more sterile settings show hints at the isolation and dysfunction going on in the family. For example, the Gucci mansion is filled with dark wood, nice fabrics, and decor that creates a heavy atmosphere that suggests both wealth and certain levels of suffocation. This contrasts with the brighter, minimalist offices, which reflects the corporate transformation that the brand undergoes as Maurizio gains control. 

Moreover, lightning in the House of Gucci is also greatly designed, it enhances the mood of each scene. Scott uses a range of lighting techniques to create contrast between moments of intimacy and tension. In many scenes, soft, natural lighting is used, this gives off a sense of romantic or calm atmosphere before a conflict happens. For example, early in the film, scenes with Patrizia and Maurizio are often showed in soft, golden light, reflecting the warmth of their initial romance.

As the story unfolds the tone shifts towards betrayal within the family, the lighting becomes harsher and colder, this reflects the growing discord within the Gucci family. Shadows play an important role, often casting a sense of darkness over characters' faces, especially in moments of scheming or confrontation. In scenes where Patrizia plots against members of the Gucci family, dim lighting and shadows contribute to an ominous, almost noir-like atmosphere, reinforcing her manipulative intentions and foreshadowing the tragedy to come.

Furthermore, the use of props in the movie reinforces themes of power, wealth and identity. There are signature Gucci items, including bags and clothes appearing throughout the film. This serves as a visual reminder of the family's legacy and the stakes of the struggle for control.

Also, beyond the use of Gucci products, there are also luxury cars, expensive jewelry and furnishing used to reinforce the family's status. These props are not just decorative, but it is a symbol of the materialistic world that Patrizia becomes consumed by and attempts to dominate.

One particularly symbolic prop used is a gun, a stark reminder of the eventual tragic end of Patrizia's journey, The gun casts a long shadow over the story, symbolizing the deadly consequences of unchecked ambition and betrayal within the family.

Overall, the Mise-en-Scene used in the movie does more than just create a glamorous backdrop. It contributes to the storytelling, offering insight into the characters' desires, flaws and motivations. Each element works together to create a world that is seductive as it is perilous, drawing viewers into the drama of the Gucci family's rise and fall.