The family was less pleased when it became apparent the book was juicy cinematic material. Shortly after Forden published the book, Martin Scorsese expressed interest in making an adaptation, and the
family immediately expressed objections, the New York Post reported at the time. More recently, the family spoke out against Scott’s production and the paparazzi images flooding the internet. “We are truly disappointed,” Patrizia Gucci, a second cousin to Maurizio, told the AP last month. “I speak on behalf of the family. They are stealing the identity of a family to make a profit, to increase the income of the Hollywood system.”
A Gucci display from the 1980s.
Laurent MAOUSMore specifically, the family seems concerned about the film’s focus on Reggiani, but also the casting choices. “My grandfather was a very handsome man, like all the Guccis, and very tall, blue eyes and very elegant,” Patrizia Gucci said to the AP. “He is being played by Al Pacino, who is not very tall already, and this photo shows him as fat, short, with sideburns, really ugly. Shameful, because he doesn’t resemble him at all.”
Adam Driver and Lady Gaga on set of the new production.
Mondadori PortfolioIn March, an Italian photographer who has sold several images of the filmmaking told me by email that while film crews typically try to keep paparazzi away, this crew has not been “particularly ‘severe’” about the presence of photographers. Moreover, he explained that Scott has shot on location in several areas in Rome, like Piazza di Spagna and Via Condotti, which are almost impossible to fully close to the public. The photographer said the images aren’t commanding a much higher price than usual, “but hope is the last to die,” and added, “The interest of this set undoubtedly is the big cast, Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Al Pacino….” In other words, major American movie stars, one of our country’s greatest exports. Like Gucci, the film knows exactly what it’s selling.