By Brittany Valadez
Pomp and Circumstance. The Great Gatsby, a classic American novel by famed author F. Scott Fitzgerald, is brought to life by director Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of the Warner Brothers flick. Perfectly cast as Gatsby himself is Leonardo DiCaprio, with Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan as Gatsby’s long lost love.
The original The Great Gatsby, was released in 1974 starring a young handsome Robert Redford opposite Mia Farrow almost 40 years ago! The world has sure changed since then and this time around diversity plays an important part. In Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby releaseing Friday, May 10, 2013, modern day diversity comes via its soundtrack curated by Jay-Z.
The film opens with Maguire, (as Nick Carraway) sharing his story with a shrink of how he met Gatsby. Maguire is the middle person whose job is to bring Daisy Buchanan (Mulligan) and Gatsby back together. The two previously fell in love before Gatsby went off to war. Eventually Daisy marries prosperous and successful man Tom, played by Joel Edgerton. Tom frequently cheats on her… a womanizer to the hilt, which only serves to make Daisy more vulnerable to a reunion with Gatsby — the man she once, and still, loves.
The film is visually appealing. The grandeur palaces, jeweled and decorated wardrobe, and of course, the over-the-top parties makes for one spectacular movie escape. In the book, Gatsby is known for his parties. With the help of modern 3D technology, audiences feel as if they are attending the party in real time, though roaring 20’s attire may not be available.
It is the numerous colors and extravagant props that are the foundation to the film’s visual beauty. In addition, audiences will notice the familiar tunes of Beyonce and Jay-Z throughout the entire film. I wonder what F. Scott Fitzgerald would think about the clash between contemporary hip hop and 1920’s jazz.
The visuals were greatly needed because the story seemed to drag through the middle. Questions were unanswered, or often ended with another question. It wasn’t until the very end that makes this movie worth more than just all the pomp and circumstance it serves on a platinum platter.
Of course, the actors did a tremendous job at resurrecting this literary classic back to life. The film was perfectly cast. Oscar contenders? Most definitely.
The Great Gatsby (Warner Bros.) is out now in theaters.
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Writers: Baz Luhrmann (screenplay), Craig Pearce (screenplay)
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher
MPAA Rating: PG-13. Running time: 2 hours and 23 minutes.
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