Book First Then Film? Or the Other Way Round? January 21, 2022 – Posted in: Writer

Given the choice, would you first see the film or read the book?

Thinking back to scenarios where I’ve read the book first, the film that followed has always been something of a disappointment.  Eat Pray Love, Gone Girl, and more recently Nine Perfect Strangers … to name but a few. 

Sometimes the screenplay is so loosely based on the book that there is only the smallest nod of recognition in the book’s direction. The characters might be unrecognisable; and the plot so changed that it bears only the faintest resemblance to that which the author meticulously crafted. 

Adam Driver as Maurizio and Lady Gaga as Patrizia in Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film

But what if the film is telling a true story spun into a highly entertaining mix which includes a lavish splash of gorgeous fashion, a great sound track and a mega cast? There’s no doubt that – despite its length – the film House of Gucci, is pretty gripping. Could this winning combination pique the curiosity of viewers enough to want to discover more? How accurate is it? 

Did such incredible events actually happen ? Yes, they did.

Did the genuine Patrizia Reggiani really come out with such terrific one-liners?  Yes, and she remains the queen of the quotes.

Was Paolo Gucci really such a ridiculous clown-like figure of fun? No he wasn’t. He may have been eccentric and troubled, but he favoured grey cashmere suits not purple corduroy or luminous shell suits. Nor did he smoke (he stopped when he and Jenny got together out of respect for her singing voice) and he would never have urinated on an iconic scarf to make his point. 

So, what if there is a book that tells the same Gucci story – but from a different perspective – that of a relatable English woman called Jenny Gucci? Fortunately there is: “Gucci Wars – Jenny Gucci’s Story”… so if you want to know what really happened in the heart of the great fashion dynasty – look no further. 

Undoubtedly, when it comes to all things Gucci – film first, then book also works.