The story initially follows Nick Carraway, a Yale University graduate and World War I veteran, who, for reasons unknown, is being treated for alcoholism and anger issues in a sanatorium in the late 1920’s. Carraway begins to recount the events that led him to this point to his doctor, who advises him to write the story down. This forms the narration for the film - which at times is taken directly from the book - as Nick describes how, some years earlier, he came to be drawn into the lavish world of his millionaire neighbor Jay Gatsby, who he describes as “the most hopeful man I ever knew”.
Having seen the trailer for The Great Gatsby, which plays like a pretentious R&B/Rap video, one can be forgiven for entering the cinema with fairly low expectations of this adaptation of the American literary classic. Was this to be another flashy, CGI laden, piece of film making folly, all style, no substance? It teeters on the brink at times, as the occasionally over the top set plays threaten to drown the heart of the movie in a soup of visual trickery, modern music and rather out of place slow motion violence. However, the film does manage to remember that at it's heart is the 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, constantly referring back to the book almost word for word at times. This, combined with some notable lead performances, serves to save the film from itself.
Directed and written for the screen by Baz Luhrmann - the man behind the 2001 smash hit musical Moulin Rouge and the 1996 adaptation of Romeo + Juliet. Anyone who is familiar with Luhrmann’s previous outings will recognize the style here. Big, bold, beautiful set pieces, with vibrant colorful cinematography that creates a world all of its own. Here he gives New York the same make over he gave Paris in Moulin Rouge, filling the city it with surreally vivid colors, which in some ways match the seemingly unreal characters of the book. The party scene’s are an extraordinary visual feast, especially in 3D where the explosions of confetti and fireworks add to the brilliantly gaudy set designs. Add to this the ultra-modern rap soundtrack, which simultaneously juxtaposes and enhances the visuals, and you have cinematic feast which at times becomes too much and threatens to bury the films characters.
Powerhouse Lead Performances
Synopsis
We join Carraway in the summer of 1922, as he begins a new life in New York, becoming a bond salesman and renting a small cottage in Long Island next-door to Gatsby’s multi-million dollar mansion. Gatsby is a mysterious figure, fabulously wealthy, powerful, and famous for throwing wild parties for hundreds of New York’s elite at his opulent mansion house. Yet no one who attends has ever seen the man in the flesh, nor can they be sure where his money comes from.
We catch just a few glimpses of the elusive millionaire, silhouetted in the window, or in the moonlight as he stares out over the bay towards the green light of a marker buoy. It is not until Nick is invited to one of the parties himself that we are finally introduced to our obscure title character. It is now that Gatsby’s interest in Nick is revealed; some years earlier Gatsby met and fell in love with Nick's cousin Daisy - played by Carey Mulligan - who lives directly across the bay, beyond the green light, with her husband Tom - Joel Edgerton - a violent, egomaniac, pro sportsman, who himself is in the midst of a torrid affair.
Befriended by Gatsby, Nick soon gets caught up in the heady 20’s life style, and begins to be taken in by the suave charms of his still mysterious new compatriot. Soon Gatsby convinces Nick to set up a meeting with Daisy and the two begin an affair of their own.
Cracks Beginning to Appear
The casting isn’t all faultless however, the female leads are a little one dimensional, with Isla Fisher playing Myrtle - Tom's lover - and Carey Mulligan as Daisy both failing to provide depth to their characters. This is perhaps, in part because Edgerton’s portrayal of Tom so vile and loathsome that you do sometimes wonder how either of them, especially Daisy, ended up with such a man in the first place. Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker fairs better as the confident, single, pro golfer, party girl that introduces Carraway to the 20’s party scene.
Splitting the Audience
Lisa Keys
If you are interested in The Great Gatsby read also Prima Santika's guest post: The Book, The movie, The Values