Writer/Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Few books ever written about millionaires have built a legacy as strong as “The Great Gatsby”. Ever since it was published by Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, the book has become a timeless piece of literature that readers have cherished. With its timeless themes of social class, identity and wealth, it has become a beloved book which is well regarded in the world today. Arguably, the main reason why the book has stood the test of time as a classic is because of its relatable themes. The book tackles strong themes that everyone would be able to relate to. Despite being set in 1920’s New York, its themes remain relevant today. Given its massive impact on popular culture, it’s hardly surprising that the book has been translated many times into movies. Each film adaptation has provided a powerful interpretation of the classic source material. As precious as green light, the book has become a legendary piece of literature earning the spotlight. A legendary novel with a lasting legacy, “The Great Gatsby” remains one of the finest books ever written in the 21st Century.
I’m a huge fan of “The Great Gatsby” and love all the films that have brought the book to the big-screen. However, my favourite movie is the 2013 version. Ever since its release in 2013, Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie has stood test of time as a classic. Baz Luhrmann managed to do a fantastic job of adapting a celebrated book to the big-screen. Packed with stunning production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it remains one of the best book adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is an amazing extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who captures the larger than life personality of Gatsby. Ultimately, the movie delivers a powerful message about loss that will resonate with everyone. A marvellous literary masterpiece, there are several strong reasons why “The Great Gatsby” is a film that is worth seeing.
Based on the classic book, “The Great Gatsby” tells a story of a great millionaire that seeks to gain dreams which deteriorate. Tobey Maguire plays Nick Carraway, an ambitious writer that seeks to achieve dreams in Long Island. Nick is eager to achieve success as a banker on Wall Street. However, Nick’s life drastically changes when he meets his next door neighbour Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). A mysterious millionaire, Gatsby is a reclusive person whose identity is a mystery. Drawn towards the allure of Gatsby, Nick immediately develops a strong friendship with his neighbour. That being said, their bond is threatened by secrets about Gatsby’s past. Questioning who Gatsby truly is, Nick becomes suspicious of a man who isn’t what he appears to be. Faced with a dilemma, Nick questions if he would ever be able to find happiness during the jazz era.
Baz Luhrmann has often been fascinated with classic literature. Before he had directed “The Great Gatsby”, Luhrmann was renowned for his literary adaptations. His previous film “Romeo and Juliet” offered an engaging adaptation of Shakespeare’s legendary play about doomed lovers. With “The Great Gatsby”, however, he directed his first Fitzgerald adaptation. It was Luhrmann’s first attempt to adapt a renowned book about iconic millionaires to the big screen but he succeeded. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Luhrmann has always excelled at making movies that are visually stunning and “The Great Gatsby” is no exception. Through stunning cinematography, Luhrmann captures the life of a millionaire embarking on a journey to discover his identity. Luhrmann effectively uses slow motion to capture the lavish lifestyle of a millionaire that loves engaging in parties. For instance, slow motion elevates the Gatsby party scene. During this unforgettable scene, Nick is introduced for the first time to Gatsby as he attends his lavish mansion party. One admires slow-motion capturing the appeal of a great millionaire whose identity is shrouded in secrecy. Handheld camerawork tricky to use in movies. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Luhrmann celebrates a timeless piece of literature which is appealing.
Another strong aspect of “The Great Gatsby” worth discussing is the production design. The film is extremely well made, and successfully uses production-design to celebrate a classic novel about millionaires that shine. Luhrmann has always excelled at designing the sets for movies, and “The Great Gatsby” is definitely not an exception. Throughout the movie, the mansion where Gatsby lives plays a powerful role in the film. The mansion becomes a strong symbol of Gatsby’s identity. For instance, the setting of the mansion elevates the Young and Beautiful scene. During this memorable scene, Gatsby invited Daisy to his home showing her gorgeous clothes. One appreciates production design of the house capturing the lifestyle of a millionaire with the abilities to shine. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Luhrmann’s decisions to use modern rap music in the film is risky but it works tremendously. It captures the beauty of 1920’s New York City. Through strong production-design, Luhrmann captures the beauty of a book about millionaires which shine.
Storytelling is one of the key reasons why “The Great Gatsby” is a literary adaptation which is compelling. The film is beautifully written and expertly uses voice-over narration to capture a life of a millionaire which experiences tension. Luhrmann’s screenwriting strength is capturing the tension endured by millionaires seeking to achieve dreams through voice-over narration. Throughout the movie, Nick Carraway recalls his joyous memories about his past friendship with Gatsby. Nick’s insightful voice-over narration gives valuable information about his past companion. For instance, narration enhances the final ending scene. During this memorable scene, Nick recounts his memories of Gatsby seeking to achieve the green light following his tragic death. Through the voice-over narration, Luhrmann creates a compelling character that audiences could easily relate to. Narration is a tricky technique to utilize in movies. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” claimed, narration elevates historical dramas. Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” claimed clearly, narration elevates classic films about prisons. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Luhrmann celebrates a renowned novel about millionaires that’s beloved today.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of his greatest performances as Gatsby. DiCaprio first gained appreciation for playing star-crossed lovers on catastrophic ships. With “The Great Gatsby”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple to capture mysterious personality of a millionaire, but he succeeded immensely. DiCaprio has always excelled at playing charismatic characters, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as an actor. It’s a role that gave DiCaprio the opportunity to showcase his natural charisma as an icon in Hollywood. With strong expressions, DiCaprio captures the angst, desperation and loneliness of a millionaire seeking to reunite with his lover from childhood. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most beloved actors working in the film industry today.
Tobey Maguire is magnificent as a writer that forms a friendship with a millionaire he grows to admire. While DiCaprio gets the showy role, Maguire is equally excellent capturing a writer driven to achieve his goal. Maguire has always excelled at communicating emotions through narration, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as an actor. Whether he’s gaping in awe at Gatsby’s lavish parties or concerned about Daisy’s destiny, Maguire effectively uses voice-over narration to capture the personality of an iconic literary character. Although he has often been best known for playing Spider-Man, this role proved Maguire to be an actor which could succeed in a serious dramatic role. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actors working today.
Lastly, the final most notable standout in the cast is Carey Mulligan. As Daisy, she brings romantic tension to the movie.
Finally, “The Great Gatsby” is a film everyone will appreciate for its depiction of millionaires facing tragedy. Unlike most book adaptations, the film tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes such as identity, marriage and social class that will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the beloved book to appreciate the movie. It delivers a strong message about grim consequences of alcoholism that will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Great Gatsby” is one of those rare literary adaptations which everyone will adore.
Fans of the beloved book will definitely appreciate “The Great Gatsby” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. An astonishing literary adaptation, it celebrates a legendary novel about millionaires that’s worthy of celebration.
Nearly a century following the publication of a groundbreaking book about great millionaires holding lavish parties seeking to reunite with childhood lovers that are blossoming, it’s a riveting reminder about a timeless piece of literature that earned a huge fan following through creating compelling characters tackling relatable themes everyone could relate telling an engaging story that is definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 