BOLD, BRASH, Invigorating!!

Rating: 7/10 (17 May 2013)

Once again we have an adaptation of a novel. A classic American novel that many have read and come to adore. Like a lot of books to films you will always get those who are disappointed with the transformation.
Fitzgerald's novel the great Gatsby has been considered among the greats. A book that captures the booming 20's with the lavish culture of alcohol and parties. With the rise of the black jazz culture the book captures the increasing diversification of the US. This of course the back drop of the book, in the foreground however, a torturous love story of one mans dream to attain the love of an old flame. With a life populated by parties with unknown individuals , the enigmatic, 'invisible' man hides behind the facade of opulence and decadence, which cannot begin to Penetrate the heart of Jay Gatsby. This love story is forever frustrating and painful with a difficult, devastating climax.
However I find that adaptations have the difficult task of appealing to the big screen as well as satisfying the readers. Most films struggle to achieve this. The Great Gatsby is also one of these films. However I believe it's bold version with its modern twist of jazz- hip hop infusion and toy town CGI backdrop looks to distant itself from the novel entirely. Whether this is a good move or not , you cannot deny that it's creates a whole new experience. It's merges the 21st century with the early 20th. Notwithstanding Clichéd romance in places, with a little too much symbolism in also, it is a clever and stylish approach to a novel most youngest haven't read.
A booming, brash film which doesn't tickle the heart or mind but does attract the eye.