Optimistic yet inevitable tragedy. A good film!

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2013)

I watched the Great Gatsby last night and I really enjoyed the film. I think the superficiality and shallowness experienced while viewing the opulent and extravagant parties in the film were to be expected. If you consider your own individual experience of a party, you always end up leaving a party feeling a little bit more empty, and somewhat let down. The hype of a party never really lives up to the expectation. (Well, perhaps that is just me). Or, if it does live up to your expectation, then the party always has to end.
I thought the most interesting thing about the film was the underlying hope that permeated throughout it. Beneath the shallowness and opulence lies real heart. This optimism is juxtaposed with what I can only describe as an existentialist crisis, and that inevitable realisation that follows the pain of human disappointment. This disappointment feels more acute when a character is betrayed or disappointed by a fellow human being.
I thought Leornardo Dicaprio gave a phenomenal performance as Gatsby. I think this film reinforces how underrated an actor he is in Hollywood. From watching Leonardo in Django, playing a character who I absolutely despised, to playing this tragic hero who I loved; it is shocking that he is recognised so little in the industry. In my opinion, he nailed both performances.
I thought Tobey Maguire also gave a great performance. I must admit that I have always been a fan of Tobey since I saw him in Pleasantville. I appreciate his acting style; I understand that many do not. I thought Cary Mulligan was OK. I have not seen what is fantastic about her acting style yet, but she did do a great American accent, and her character appeared somewhat ethereal until she turned into one of those predictable and unlikable characters who chose society's approval instead of her individual and romantic integrity.
The music was OK/good. I did feel that there was too much Jay Z and Beyonce in the soundtrack, but I guess that was to be expected if Jay Z is an executive producer on the film. I enjoyed hearing Lana Del Ray's music on the film as I like her music and I felt it was fitting for the scenes used in the film.
I should add I have not read the book, but I am intrigued to read it now.