Luhrman's worst film

Rating: 5/10 (15 May 2013)

I've been a long time fan of Mr. Luhrman. Strictly Balloom, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Austrilaia are amongst my favorite films. And Moulin Rouge is my favorite film of all time. I enjoy it's manic creative intensity that gives his films a memorable original flair not seen in any other films. So it is with sadness that I say that The Great Gatsby is a huge disappointment. The combination of modern day music and Luhrman's visual dazzle may have sounded like a good idea on paper but it makes the film feel disjointed and unrelatable. Although I'm not too familiar with the source material I'm assuming shadings of it come through but overall I'm not sure anything much comes through at all. The film starts out chaotically enough like Moulin Rouge (a little too simlar in fact) but than it begins to settle and there is a moment when you think Oh this a love story and than the focus strays away and we are left confused again. The performances are decent with a few too many unintentionally funny moments. these are fine actors here just not in their best form. As for the films visuals they are indeed stunning but feel unnecessary in translating such a storyline. And well the direction feels a little directionless the party scenes are fun but nothing seems to be going anywhere or amounting to much. the hyper intensity displayed throughout the film doesn't fit the proceedings at all constantly leaving you feeling a little bored with a stunted sense of empty awe. This is without a doubt Luhrman's worst film. That being said it's not a horrible film there is still some stuff to see here the modern soundtrack is electrifying if not fitting. The party scenes and cinematography although unnecessary are wondorous. I'm not sure when he started to disconnect with the material but I'm willing to forgive this little blip on his resume in hopes that he will get back to his more traditional, original faire. 2.5/5