Synopsis – Nick is a writer and Wall Street trader. He finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbour, Jay Gatsby. This is the story of The Great Gatsby.
Director – Baz Luhrmann
Starring – Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke, Tobey Maguire
Released – 2013
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book is one most people have read or at least heard of. It stands as one of the great American novels. This is not just because of Fitzgerald’s smart and nuanced writing style. It is also because of the harsh criticism he pointed at American high society in the early twentieth century.
Capturing The Great Gatsby on film is arduous. However, director Baz Luhrmann managed the task wonderfully with his 2013 audio-visual feast for the senses. The film’s extraordinary cinematography gives The Great Gatsby a breathtaking visual edge. This visual edge doesn’t exist in the original text.
Luhrmann’s talented camerawork showcases vibrant colours and extravagant visuals. These elements help to convey the opulent lifestyles of the American upper class. The use of reimagined modern music may put some viewers off. I found it exciting. It perfectly fits the story’s themes.
DiCaprio is outstanding in the acting. Once again, he easily breathes life into Fitzgerald’s tragic hero. He effortlessly captures both his charm and misery. Similarly, Edgerton exceeds expectations as the entitled and arrogant Tom Buchanan.
As for Mulligan as Daisy, I found her to be perfect for the role, capturing the emotional turmoil and vulnerability with no trouble. It was only Maguire’s Nick Carraway that I found didn’t fully live up to the source material. But this doesn’t take enough away from the overall quality to stop The Great Gatsby from being a stylish, well made and entertaining 142 minutes of escapism.
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