Spectacle over symbolism

Rating: 6/10 (4 July 2017)

First off, I will fully admit to not really 'getting' the novel. I thought it was fine but it didn't really stay with me shortly after finishing it. I was somewhat hesitant to tackle this movie knowing it was directed by Baz Luhrmann who isn't known for much subtlety in his directing.
It does begin with an almost absurdly over the top scene showing one of Gatsby's famous parties. It's bright, loud and kind of obnoxious. It does eventually quiet down into a real movie. I might differ in opinion with a lot of reviewers on here but I feel as if Luhrmann does understand the book. The lost and found again love between Daisy and Gatsby is complicated and not unrequited on both sides. He built his entire empire in hopes to be with her and in that time she made her own life trying to forget him.
The last half of this movie mostly makes up for the unfocused first. Somewhere when going through the checklist of what needed to happen it finds some meaning in all the bright lights and fast cuts. It slows down and becomes a genuine movie. Or at least half of one.