The Great Gatsby (2013)

Rating: 3.5/5

I read The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, for the first time only a couple of months ago and I LOVED it.

Beautifully written with an array of exciting characters and brilliant visionaries it is one of the most romantic stories to be told. It’s no wonder I read it all in one sitting (although I must add it is only a short novel).

So the question here I guess is did I also enjoy the film? And that answer would be: yes (not only because Leonardo DiCaprio plays Gatsby).

Before I talk about why it’s lovable, and also why it’s received some criticism, I’ll briefly tell you what it’s all about!

Set in the 1920’s in New York and told through alcohol-hazed eyes of Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) it is the story of one Mr Gatsby, Nick’s new next-door neighbour.

Nick soon learns that Gatsby’s move was all a plan to be closer to Daisy (Carey Mulligan), whom is married to the unfaithful Tom (Joel Edgerton).

The mystery of the great Mr Gatsby unfolds. Why does he want to be close to Daisy? Where did this mysterious man make his fortunes? Where did he come from?

It is a story of love, loss, tragedy and lies.

A great story with a great deal of cinema potential; potential that director Baz Luhrmann definitely made the most of. However Luhrmann has been criticised for doing so. Reviews have been flooded with phrases such as “over-directed” and “too-stylised”.

Admittedly the style does take a little getting used to, with some rather strenuous transitions, but when you do adjust you’ll certainly appreciate the beautiful cinematography.

The over-the-top visionaries are very similar to Moulin Rouge that not shockingly was directed by Luhrmann too.

I must admit I’m in two minds about just how similar this film is to the book.

On one hand screenplay writers Luhrmann and Craig Pearce were most certainly respectable and true to the original, careful to not takeaway from the essence of the story. And as fore-mentioned the book is brilliant, so nothing needs to be adjusted.

On the other hand I can’t help but feeling it was a little too safe and that something new and unique (if done correctly) could have made the 2013 version of Gatsby more memorable.

Without a shadow of a doubt the best aspect of this film for me were the characters. The casting was flawless. The acting was fabulous. The love interests were incredibly believable. They made the film. 

Another magnificent area of this film was the set and costume design. Just wow! Again these had a very Moulin Rouge feel.

Fun fact: 500 Brookes Brothers suits were custom made for this film (just an insight in to the scale of marvelousness that is the outfits in this film). 

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I want to own every, single dress Carey Mulligan wears!

If you love book, you’ll love the film. If you love great cinematography, you’ll love the film. If you love Moulin Rouge, you’ll love the film.  

If I were you I’d ignore the critics and go and see this film anyway.

P.s. Maybe Leonardo DiCaprio will finally win an Oscar?