The Middling Gatsby

Rating: 7/10 (25 March 2014)

Another entry in the Gatsby sweepstakes this is not a terrible film but strip away all the flash and it's an average affair.
For some reason Hollywood continues to fail to understand that the magic of the book was in its elegant construction and beautiful phrasing where the specialness resides.
The cotton candy excess of this version is very pretty but also unreal and adds nothing to the story. Another demerit is the controversial decision to use contemporary music in place of the appropriate jazz numbers that would give the proper sense of time and place. It's a nice try but distracting rather than enlightening and pulls you out of the story whenever one is played.
That leaves the actors to drive the story over all the pomp, in most cases they fail.
Leo is okay as Gatsby but only occasionally seems to get under his skin. Joel Edgerton cuts a fine figure as the boorish Tom Buchanan but the production swamps his few moments to shine.
In the most problematic role of Daisy Carey Mulligan, a very talented performer, is unable to make her come alive. More of a concept than a character the part has more or less defeated every actress that has attempted her. Requiring a gossamer glow as well as a tinge of tragedy there are few women who have the proper mix to succeed in the role, perhaps the young Jessica Lange but she has no contemporary equal who has both of those rare traits.
The characters of Jordan Baker, Myrtle and George Wilson have all been shunted to the side in favor of another CGI moment of showiness so the actors really don't have the opportunity to make much of an impact.
The weak link in all this is Tobey Maguire who is terrible as Nick the narrator. He neither feels part of the period nor does he make his commentary compelling as Sam Waterston did in the Robert Redford/Mia Farrow version. His task is to pull the viewer in and his flat delivery doesn't do that for a minute.
An ambitious failure but misses greatness by quite a margin.