bodievans

This western gives you a slow progression of character and plot that explodes into unexpected reveals in the second half of the story. You don't want it to end.

If you turned down the audio of this film and watched it to the sounds of an Italian opera, it would play more memorably in the mind of the viewer. The film promises to provide insight and understanding through the interpersonal relations of the Gucci family. However, what it chose to leave out (the runway drama, the brilliant designer mindset, what lies beneath the fashion, etc.) is steroids that should be driving this story. The performances are over the top and play like an SNL skit. The cinematography is breathtaking, but loses its luster when paired with the repetitive scenes and dramatic beats.

Campion provides an extraordinary filmgoing experience that compels the viewer to re-examine their own personal biases. For example (without plot spoilers), the viewer's understanding of the developing relationship between the protagonist and antagonist is not what it appears to be in regard to each character's want versus need. As a viewer, our expectations are inverted through a series of character reveals (the choices they make, the actions they take, etc.) to the point where our own understanding of who we thought these people were is flipped on its head. If you are looking for self-insight as lensed through dramatic structure and characterization, this film is worth your time and attention.