Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s acclaimed novel, ‘The Great Gatsby’ seems a perfect fit for director Baz Luhrmann. Famed for his opulent story-telling techniques, he goes out all in this umpteenth cinematic rendering. A bedazzling display certainly captures the excess of its character’s life. Unlike previous efforts Luhrmann remembers to deliver a solid story with his stylised visions deftly mixing with Fitzgerald’s revered tome.
In 1922, Nick (Tobey Maguire) works as a sales bondsman. He meets next door neighbour Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), a multi-millionaire, who regularly holds lavish parties for New York’s social set. Attending one, Nick is amazed at its spectacle. Becoming firm friends, Gatsby, Nick and Nick’s cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan) are taken on an adventurous path where they discover the trappings of wealth doesn’t always bring true happiness.
Like any good tale ‘The Great Gatsby’ has many layers. Conveying drama, humour and romance it captures the decadence of the nouveau riche. It explores the illusion of power and money with its related fame and friendships existing within fleeting moments. The desire to re-capture past glories drives the characters as they exist in an emotional vacuum. Their wealth becomes an extension of themselves but controlling their destinies.
Often accused of favouring style over substance, Luhrmann’s efforts in concentrating on the dense screenplay are commendable. Whilst flashes of self-indulgence emerge, the lead performances and exquisite production design quickly bring things back into focus. Occasionally an air of repetition creeps in with some slight modern touches to the orchestral score failing to suit the time-frame. Overall it maintains interest with some depth amongst the glitz.
One of Baz Luhrmann’s more restrained efforts, ‘The Great Gatsby’ is worth viewing. A cautionary tale on the lust for monetary and emotional supremacy, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s words still ring true decades after yesterday’s conquerors have faded from view.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE GREAT GATSBY
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