In Ridley Scott’s film “House of Gucci,” Lady Gaga delivers a compelling performance as Patrizia Reggiani, who was convicted for conspiring to murder her husband, Maurizio Gucci. The narrative spans the couple’s relationship, revealing both intimate moments and the tragic circumstances leading to the crime, which paints Patrizia in a morally ambiguous light. Gaga’s nuanced depiction is amplified by her commitment to mastering Italian accents and immersing herself in the character over an extensive preparation period.
To authentically embody Patrizia Reggiani, Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, undertook a methodical approach, dedicating nearly nine months to perfecting a Northern Italian accent. This commitment was essential, as both she and her co-stars needed to maintain thick accents throughout the film. Gaga began with a dialect reflective of Patrizia’s modest beginnings in Vignola and gradually shifted to a more sophisticated accent suitable for her ascent into Gucci’s elite circles.
Gaga’s portrayal is notably dynamic; she adapted her accent based on the various characters Patrizia interacted with. Beyond vocal adjustments, Gaga made physical changes as well, including dyeing her hair black to align with the character’s persona. She took her immersion further by altering her outlook on her surroundings, developing a keen awareness of beauty and wealth much like her character. This creative process dramatically affected her psychologically; after spending significant time in character, Gaga admitted to struggling with the line between reality and performance even after filming concluded.
While many may view Reggiani as a murderer, Gaga aimed to depict her character with more complexity. After conducting extensive research, including reviewing footage and newspaper articles about Reggiani, Gaga sought to present a woman driven by survival amidst adversity. Her intention was not to glorify Reggiani but to honor the struggles of women who encounter brutal challenges in life. This exploration allowed Gaga to deliver a multifaceted portrayal, viewing her character through the lens of curiosity rather than judgment.
Notably, Gaga chose not to consult Sara Gay Forden’s book “The House of Gucci,” the film’s source material, nor did she meet the real Patrizia Reggiani. This decision stemmed from her desire to maintain creative independence and develop her unique interpretation of the character. By focusing on portraying a “real woman” rather than simply labeling Reggiani as a villain, Gaga brings depth to a story steeped in glamour, betrayal, and tragedy, ultimately transforming it into an exploration of resilience in the face of overwhelming circumstances.