REVIEW: THE GREAT GATSBY

The much anticipated film from Australian director Baz Luhrmann (William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge) comes to theaters, this time adapting F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby. For those who are unfamiliar with the novel, The Great Gatsby is widely used as reading material for English classes in universities around the world. I had the priviledge to read it many years ago. The novel has been adapted four times for the big screen. The only other version I saw was the 1974 adaptation starring Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Sam Waterston.

This 2013 adaptation stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, and Amitabh Bachchan. Distributed by Warner Bros.

 

SYNOPSIS:
The film follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious wealthy New York millionaire in 1920s America. He is filthy rich and admired by many yet he seems to be very secluded. He befriends neigbour Nick Carraway, who recently arrived in New York from the Midwest. The film is told from Carraway's viewpoint in occassional flashbacks.

(L-R): Amitabh Bachchan, Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio
 

SCRIPT:
It is adapted from a novel so there is only so little that can be criticized. However, I find the dialogue short and sharp compared to the 1974 adaptation. The scriptwriters took some liberty in changing the lines a little but did not loose the essence of the novel. Credit goes to Baz Luhrmann who co-wrote with his long-time collaborator Craig Pearce.

 Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role as Jay Gatsby
 

ACTING:
The casting of the film was perfect. DiCaprio (his second collaboration with Luhrmann) was ideal for the role and so was Maguire. Carey Mulligan is a star to watch out for the future. Joel Edgerton, last seen in Zero Dark Thirty, gave an awesome performance. Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan also appears in the film in critical role. Would have loved to see more of him.

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachachan

FILMING:
Fantastic. Fantastic. Fantastic. The production value on this film is tremendous. As with all Baz Luhrmann films, he likes to keep his shots filled with colours. His trademark camera angles and movements are there though I felt there should be more of it. The art direction is eye-candy, from wardrobe to the sets for the film.

Director Baz Luhrmann at work with DiCaprio and Mulligan

PACING:
Not too slow. Not too fast. Just right. It doesn't make the audience bored. They some few injections of comedy to lighten the pace which was good.

TONE (MOOD):
It is a period piece. It takes place in 1920s America. Expect the atmosphere to reflect that era, full of jazz music. HOWEVER, knowing Baz Luhrmann particular attention to his films soundtracks, the music for the film was filled with modern day R&B and Hip-Hop which is a brilliant decision on the writers part. The music in the film was produced by Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter (yes, the rapper). Musical score is by Craig Armstrong.

DOWNSIDE:
Film's length might be a turn off for some as it runs for 142 minutes.

UPSIDE:
Stylistic film-making and some fine acting from ensemble cast.

OVERALL:
The film has some under-lying themes of what defines success, from a positive and negative level. If you can figure it out, it could be a valuable lesson to many.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10