The Great Gatsby

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Leonado DiCaprio

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Genre: DramaRunning time: 143 minutes

There is one question that needs to be asked before watching The Great Gatsby: how do you feel about Baz Luhrmann films? Fans of Romeo & Juliet, Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge will probably know what to expect from the latest Luhrmann offering; those unfamiliar with these movies may be more surprised. A short confession before this review continues: the novel The Great Gatsby is a personal favourite and a work of genius that can only be described as almost impossible to film, therefore I entered the screening with some trepidation, apprehensive that Baz Luhrmann may have destroyed a classic. This said, Lurhmann's version is interesting. Many critics have reacted with some vitriol to the film, panning it for skimming the surface of the novel but any film that tries to take on such subtle and complex source material runs this risk. For those unfamiliar with the plot, The Great Gatsby is the story of Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), a young man who moves to West Egg, the playground of the newly rich, and becomes embroiled in the party hard atmosphere of the 'roaring 20s'. For America the 1920s was a period of great prosperity marked by high living and hedonism. During Carraway's escapades with his cousin Daisy Buchannan (Carey Mulligan) and her husband Tom (Joel Edgerton), Nick becomes intrigued by his extravagant and mysterious neighbour Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is the centre of New York's party scene.

The critics that dislike the film for its inaccuracies when compared with the book may have a very valid point, and if an exact replication of the novel and all its themes is desired then disappointment will be the result for any adaptation, but what Luhrmann has produced is an entertaining version of The Great Gatsby. However, that is not to say that it doesn't have its problems. There are moments that Daisy is completely misread by this film and it does tend to skim the surface of the novel's complex themes but this will be a great way of introducing this story to a new generation in much the same way that Luhrmann did with Romeo & Juliet. The hedonistic party scenes are well filmed and immersive and the soundtrack is a stroke of genius. However, as with all genius it shares a very fine line with madness. The music, which can be initially jarring, is innovative and at home once the film is underway. This film is a glossy, sentimental spectacle and everything that is expected from a Baz Lurhmann movie. There are moments when it loses heart and it is a little over long but excellent performances from a stellar cast add to the skill of the film as a whole, with a particular mention towards the always sparkling Carey Mulligan, who is fantastic as usual and rapidly becoming the sign of excellence in any film.

This movie is loud and enjoyable, making it is easy to jump on board and enjoy the ride, something that reflects the hedonistic attitude of the plot. Let go of any preconceptions and just sit back and have fun, and nobody will walk out of the cinema deflated.

Three and a half stars - The Great Gatsby is big, brash and colourful. A whirlwind of a movie that will please Luhrmann fans, but if a more realistic, gritty drama is desired then this will disappoint. True dyed-in-the-wool fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel may want to avoid this like the plague.


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