"The Great Gatsby" IS actually great

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2016)

Bringing a completely new twist to the classic saying "if it is meant to be, they will come back", The Great Gatsby is way more than your everyday love story. Based on the book "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, there is two films produced, one in 1974 and the more modern one, in 2013. The 2013 movie, directed by Baz Luhrmann, features key actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire. Not only is the relationships between the characters spot on, the sound track emphasizes the era the story took place in, and the set was nothing short of grand.
Even with the era set in the roaring twenties, the plot is relative to any modern situation. Once Nick Carraway moves back into town, he quickly befriends his neighbor Jay Gatsby. The friendship they form is abnormal considering their different status and personality. Nick's cousin across the bay, Daisy Buchannan, had a prior relationship with Gatsby but ended when he left for the military. However, the connection between the two remained. While Gatsby is trying to steal Daisy away from her husband Tom, the morals between family and friends are put into question.
Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the main role of Jay Gatsby, and putting on a phenomenal performance he does. His transitions of emotions perfectly depict the characters desperation for Daisy's love. He throws massive parties carrying a wealthy and cool composure in attempts to gain her attention. When he feels he was not getting what he wanted, anger would take over and his entire body would tense, sometimes leading to heated verbal or physical altercations. In every relationship Gatsby had, it is made clear to the audience what his feelings towards the person are.
The music playing throughout the movie is relative not only to the situation, but to the designated time frame while putting a contemporary modern spin on it. There is trumpet solos while scanning over the city at parties, houses, or in the streets. The voices of artists are raspy and go into riffs that reflect the influence of jazz culture in the twenties. There is also upbeat songs featuring current artists like Jay-Z and Fergie that can relate to the movie, but also project to an audience in the twenty first century.
Luhrmann does an amazing job expressing the social divide through the set. In the rich part of town around the bay, ginormous mansions line the shore. There is light reflecting everywhere showing how large and bright the atmosphere is where there is wealth. Going into the working-class suburbs, such as the "Valley of Ashes", things begin to gloom. As if there is a cloud of darkness following those who do not have money, people are coated in coal dust and the entire town is filthy. Important even today, the emphasis on the differences in social rank is apparent.
The Great Gatsby brings a timeless appeal that can reach to any generation. Incorporating multiple genres, it shows no matter the year, trends from the past are still present in our current society, and will continue to be in the future. Anyone can relate to the story, making this movie bound to be a favorite for years to come.