The Great Gatsby (2013)

My Rating: 7.6 out of 10

The Great Gatsby is a 2013 Australian-American 3D drama film. The movie is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 classic novel of the same name. The film was co-written and directed by Baz Luhrmann and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Elizabeth Debicki, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke and Amitabh Bachchan. It follows the life and times of millionaire Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio) and his neighbour Nick (Maguire) who recounts his encounter with Gatsby at the height of the Roaring Twenties. The time in which the story is set is called the “Jazz Age” which is the term coined by Fitzgerald himself. If anyone knows about the life of Fitzgerald, then they would definitely find a lot of similarities between his life and the novel. He used his life as the inspiration for some of his material.

DiCaprio plays the role of Gatsby with utmost streak of style. The acuity with which he plays certain scenes in the movie is just remarkable like in one in which he says pointing to the sky – “My life has got to be like this. It’s got to keep going up.” Tobey Maguire gives a great support to the plot as the movie is narrated by his character. Carey Mulligan tries to actuate her character but I guess her role isn’t just that strong as it was in “An Education”. Joel Edgerton as Tom Buchanan does an excellent job of depicting the character’s gruffness, despite the one-dimensionality given to him. The screen time of Amitabh Bachchan isn’t much but still he makes a place for himself in the movie. The direction by Baz Luhrmann is as beautiful and subtle as his previous movies with the elegant style of showing stories larger than life. Cinematography by Simon Duggan and visual effects by Chris Godfrey give an exquisite and gorgeous blend of images to the movie. The screenplay by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce is very well written and does justice by the novel. The music by Craig Armstrong and the soundtrack by various artists punctuate the romance. A special mention to the song “Young and Beautiful” performed by Lana Del Ray is definitely needed here.

Even though having a budget of $105 million and Luhrmann’s direction the movie lacks the in-depth chemistry between the main characters. It emphasizes visual splendour at the prick of its source’s vibrant heart. The story being a classic may not go well with the sympathetic people but it points out some very delicate virtues of life.

Concluding, I would like to say that it’s a must watch for people who love Luhrmann’s style and have read “The Great Gatsby”. People who expect a thick plot might be disappointed but they should watch it for DiCaprio and Edgerton’s performance as well as the photography of the movie. 

Now, to watch the movie, I personally don't prefer the 3D because it inhibits the brightness. 2D is amazing, so you can get the gorgeous print at The Great Gatsby.

You can also buy the book at The Great Gatsby (Collins Classics)!! 

Have fun watching and reading...do let me know your reviews !!