A Warner Bros Picture, Written by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, Directed by Baz Luhrmann.
This film is based upon what is arguably my favourite ever novel and one of the finest pieces of American literature of all time, and with this comes priceless content and also huge pressure.
While I don’t think it is the perfect film, with an over reliance on CGI and a jarring use of modern songs in a period setting, I find it one of the most enjoyable films I have seen.
This likely due to my love of New York City, my love of the source material, or my love of the cast, but these are all very valid reasons. The film brings 1920s New York to life in a way that few films have ever done and it is such a joy to see.
The source material has such a fascinating take on the beauty and tragedy of the American dream, and while the film doesn’t dive into it quite as much, it still provides an interesting look at it and the “eyes of god” looking down on American society as a moral wasteland is powerful.
The central romance works for two reasons; the brilliant Young and Beautiful song by Lana Del Ray, and the captivating performances of Leo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan.
DiCaprio is simply the only person who could’ve played this part, bringing a sense of majesty, but also an inner turmoil to Gatsby, while Mulligan is a revelation as the conflicted, wishful and eternally beautiful Daisy.
The rest of the cast, led by Tobey Maguire, includes Joel Edgerton, Elizabeth Debicki, Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke, and they all play their parts very well.
The tragedy of Gatsby and the condemnation of society makes this a scathing yet beautiful film packed full of hugely enjoyable moments.
Rating = 4/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 