If you like Luhrmann and haven't read the book, you will enjoy it.

Rating: 9/10 (10 May 2013)

Critics are annihilating Baz Luhrmann's flashy, dazzling, and ambitious adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, one of the years highly anticipated films (it is what I've been waiting for all year, and last year). Here is the reason why: Luhrmann's style does not appeal to all. His films are an acquired taste. Most of the population that saw Luhrmann's modern day Romeo + Juliet was divided. I liked the movie, because it was a unique blend of Shakespeare and flashy ghetto. Each of his movies are like a circus on cocaine, and not everyone is into that. I am, and that is why I was easily enchanted by The Great Gatsby.
Set in the 1920's jazz era, Nick Carroway (Tobey Maguire) has just moved to Long Island, across from his cousin Daisey (Carrey Mulligan) and her cheating husband Tom (Joel Edgerton). Living next door to Nick is a mysterious guy named Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), who hosts these glamorous parties that Luhrmann is an expert at. Nobody has met Gatsby, the guests just arrive uninvited. Soon, Nick meets Gatsby, and the more that he speaks to him, pieces of his past are brought to the surface.
I am going to be honest: I have not read the book. I tried it, but honestly it was a little difficult to get into. Not to sound illiterate but it is true. I think another reason why critics are tearing it apart is because, like many, they have read the book, and do not like the Luhrmann touch to it. I love the Luhrmann touch. I love the soundtrack and the atmosphere, particularly in the party sequences. The film has got a great energy, and terrific cinematography. It is as if the movie is being adapted by Coco Chanel. DiCaprio is such a good actor, it is almost a crime that he has not been nominated for more/won an Oscar already. I wasn't expecting any love for him in this movie, but I was expecting this to be the best movie of the year. It is not quite the best movie of the year. It is one of them though. It has been a slow year at the movies, and with the summer season on the horizon, it is nice to have a movie without an explosion. That said, I had a great time at last week's Iron Man 3.
I suppose that if you have read the book, you will probably despise the movie. But I have not, and I had a good time. If you hate Luhrmann and love the book, you will hate the movie, which most people have. Luhrmann appeals to only a certain few, myself included (not ashamed to admit my admiration for the visual darling Moulin Rouge! and the long but gorgeous Australia). That said, it isn't perfect. It is a little too long, and DiCaprio says "old sport" too much. Just sit back, relax, and get consumed by Luhrmann's vision. It's a good one.
A-