Visually Dazzling, albeit lacking in Engaging Storytelling,

Rating: 7/10 (29 February 2016)

The Great Gatsby is a good movie with a well developed storyline and a terrific cast. It's a visually dazzling film that is very appealing to the eyes, Baz Luhrmann's flamboyant directing style is visible throughout, and the fantastic cast manage to blend it to this universe perfectly, with their stunning outfits and terrific characterisation. The highlight has to be Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, their chemistry is stellar and very sweet, the scenes they share together saved this movie from being a six. While the style is truly beautiful, I felt the director was far too focused on it, and much less on story, no matter how great a movie can look, we will notice if the story is lacking. Nick and Gatsby's journey is a slow moving process and it never feels like they truly emphasise the weight of their dilemma, as a matter of fact I never felt truly concerned for these characters, they are never in a position that could make me feel this way, Luhrmann's style will not be able to distract you from this for two and a half hours. The soundtrack was one of my biggest problems, they should have kept it like a fun, campy 50's style movie, but they simply had to be modern, throwing in songs for the likes of Kanye West and Lana Del Rey that feel out of place and somewhat disturbing, I was not one bit impressed to hear them, they should have stuck with the classics that suited the overall tone perfectly. It is jam packed with flaws, but The Great Gatsby is still very enjoyable because of a charming performance from DiCaprio and beautiful cinematography, it's worth the watch if you ever see it on television or Netflix, but do not go out of your way to watch it.
A young trader soon finds himself tied up in the life of an eccentric millionaire.
Best Performance: Leonardo DiCaprio