Jared Leto Reveals Why He Related To His House of Gucci Character

Star of Ridley Scott’s latest film House of Gucci, Jared Leto, reveals why he could relate to his “frustrated” and “misunderstood” character in the film. House of Gucci is based on the 2001 book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden and features a stellar cast alongside Leto which includes the likes of Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Salma Hayek. The film was released in cinemas on November 24, 2021, and is set to debut on the streaming service Paramount+ following the completion of its theatrical run.

The story of House of Gucci focuses on Patrizia Reggiani (Gaga) and Maurizio Gucci (Driver) as their romance transforms into a power struggle for the Italian fashion brand Gucci. Reggiani’s irrepressible ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless chain of events that eventually turn into something far more sinister. The film has received mixed reviews from critics so far and currently holds a fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 61%. However, the performances were highly acclaimed, with particular praise for Gaga and Jared Leto, who plays Maurizio Gucci’s cousin, Paolo Gucci.

Leto recently sat down with Vanity Fair to break down some of his major Hollywood roles. When speaking about his latest venture with House of Gucci, he revealed that he read the script “for another part,” but preferred the role of Paolo as he “really connected” to the character. He explained how he related to the feeling of being a “frustrated artist” who isn’t “heard or seen” by those who are “closest” to him. He continued to describe Paolo as someone who is “misunderstood” and struggles with a lack of opportunity to “share his creative vision” which can be a “really hard thing for an artist.”  Read his full quote below:

“When I was sent the ‘House of Gucci’ script, it was originally for another part. And when I read it, I really just connected with Paolo. He’s an artist. So we had a little bit in common. He’s a frustrated artist. I certainly have felt that in my life. He’s not really seen or heard by the people closest to him. And he just wants to share his creative vision with the world. And he never really gets the opportunity. And that’s a really hard thing for an artist, that the only thing they want to do is create something and share it with the world, and they don’t have the chance to do that. He’s a misunderstood guy.”

The American actor also expressed that his character is given “something to work against” when other characters in the film refuse to “take him seriously.” He also praised the character’s “heart of gold” and larger-than-life persona which adds a layer of “fun” to the role. Leto is considered a method actor as he often remains completely in character for the duration of shooting schedules of his films. He is known to be someone who puts his heart and soul into becoming the characters he portrays and embodying their spirit, which is once again on full display in his role as Paolo Gucci.

Jared Leto has enjoyed plenty of success in his acting career over the years, boasting iconic roles in films like Suicide Squad,Blade Runner 2049, and Dallas Buyers Club, which earned him an Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor. However, the Oscar-winner also achieved worldwide fame in the world of music as the lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and principal songwriter for the rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars which he formed with his older brother Shannon. The fact that he sees more of himself in his House of Gucci character more than makes sense given Leto’s experience as an artist on two fronts.

Source: Vanity Fair