A Timeless American Classic: The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a 2013 historical romantic drama film based on the 1925 novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The film was co-written and directed by Baz Luhrmann and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, and Elizabeth Debicki.
The history behind the book is very interesting. During World War II, the novel experienced an abrupt surge in popularity when the Council on Books in Wartime distributed free copies to American soldiers serving overseas. This new-found popularity launched a critical and scholarly re-examination, and the work soon became a core part of most American high school curricula and a part of American popular culture. Numerous stage and film adaptations followed in the subsequent decades with the 2013 film being my personal favorite.
Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," brought the roaring twenties to life with opulence, grandeur, and a dazzling display of visual extravagance. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, the film promised a thrilling cinematic experience that aimed to transport audiences to the lavish world of 1920s New York. While it succeeded in delivering a visually stunning spectacle, the movie received mixed reception for its departure from the source material and polarizing stylistic choices.
The Visual Splendor
From the film's opening moments, it becomes evident that Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby" is a feast for the eyes. The lavish party scenes, the sumptuous costumes, and the extravagant set designs transport viewers into the heart of Gatsby's extravagant world. Luhrmann's signature flair for elaborate and stylized visuals adds a unique and mesmerizing charm to the film, perfectly capturing the excessive opulence and decadence of the roaring twenties.
Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, near New York City, the novel depicts first-person narrator Nick Carraway's interactions with mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and Gatsby's obsession to reunite with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan. Based on the world renowned novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the story and film perfectly captures the dilemma capitalism puts aspiring entrepreneurs in. The entire story surrounds a hustler using the wealth acquired from a questionable income stream to chase after a girl who was his former lover.
Polarizing Stylistic Choices
A polarizing film among critics, The Great Gatsby received both praise and criticism for its visual style, direction, screenplay, performances, soundtrack, and its interpretation of the source material. Audiences responded more positively, and Fitzgerald's granddaughter praised the film, stating “Scott would have been proud.” As of 2017, it is Luhrmann's highest-grossing film, grossing over $353 million worldwide. At the 86th Academy Awards, the film won in both of its nominated categories: Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
While "The Great Gatsby" pays homage to the themes and overall narrative of Fitzgerald's novel, it also takes significant liberties with the source material. Some purists of the novel may find fault in the film's deviations from the original story, particularly the amplified emphasis on spectacle over subtlety. The incorporation of contemporary music and anachronistic elements may also prove jarring to audiences seeking a more faithful adaptation of the classic novel.
Baz Luhrmann's distinctive directing style, characterized by fast-paced editing, stylized visual effects, and anachronistic music, is both a strength and a weakness of the film. While some viewers may appreciate the director's bold and imaginative approach, others may find it distracting and overwhelming, detracting from the emotional resonance of the story.
DiCaprio's Captivating Performance
The film is perfectly cast with Toby Maguire playing Nick Carraway and Leonardo DiCaprio playing Jay Gatsby.
One of the undeniable highlights of the film is Leonardo DiCaprio's captivating performance as Jay Gatsby. DiCaprio brings the enigmatic character to life with charm, charisma, and an air of mystery, capturing the essence of Gatsby's tragic yearning for a lost love. The emotional depth and vulnerability that DiCaprio injects into the character provide a compelling anchor for the film, making Gatsby's pursuit of the unattainable Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) all the more poignant.
The film remains relevant even today in the roaring 2020’s where career growth is highly competitive and unemployment levels are at all-time lows. The story is a typical love triangle where two millionaire alpha males use all their resources and effort to secure the love interest Daisy.
Conclusion
"The Great Gatsby" (2013) is a visually stunning spectacle that brings the opulence and allure of the 1920s to life on the silver screen. Leonardo DiCaprio's compelling performance as Jay Gatsby is a standout, anchoring the film with emotion and depth. However, the film's polarizing stylistic choices and departures from the source material may leave some viewers divided in their opinions.
For those who revel in grand, lavish cinematography and are willing to embrace a contemporary reinterpretation of Fitzgerald's classic, "The Great Gatsby" offers a thrilling and visually captivating experience. However, for fans of the original novel seeking a more faithful adaptation, the film's stylistic deviations may prove challenging to fully appreciate. In the end, "The Great Gatsby" (2013) remains a film that ignites discussions and debates, leaving audiences to decide for themselves whether it successfully captures the essence of F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless tale.
