In the words of Rodney Dangerfield, "The Great Gatsby" was...well...Great!

Rating: 10/10 (12 May 2013)

Like many of Baz Luhrman's films, THE GREAT GATSBY has received extremely mixed reviews from the professional critics. Based on its' box office this opening weekend, though, thankfully audiences are going to decide for themselves.
It has all the cards to be a Hollywood flop, but I'm very glad it isn't that. First of all, this is a great and classic American story. The novel, which I haven't read for many years, still sticks in my brain as observant, detailed and tragic. It also was subtle, something that Luhrman can never be accused of. Combine that with the fact that no movies can ever truly transfer the artistic experience of a written book, and you have to go into this film expecting something truly cinematic.
This is a story of love and the inability to go back to happier times or any time for that matter. Some have complained that themes are beaten over the viewers' heads such as the green light at the Buchanan home, which is certainly true. Likewise there are themes that are naturally less explicit and pushed to the side that Luhrman retains, namely the class system in the United States. A poor man can never truly become a rich man. This is part of the mystique of America and really a false promise. It comes out in the end, when only his fellow mid-westerner, Carraway, honors Gatsby's memory. Carraway in a way gets to live vicariously through Gatsby, his equal, who built a name and money all in the name of love. Gatsby achieved the American dream, yet never was satisfied. I think this is part of the long-lasting power of the novel.
In terms of filmmaking, the film is completely successful. The music score by Jay-Z is often a counter-point to what is felt behind Gatsby. The camera moves constantly and restlessly as the roaring twenties. Luhrman goes over-the-top with set design and costumes to show the extravagance of the era. The 1920s could never really be that exciting, but again Luhrman as a director is a good choice with his style since the character of Nick Carraway is our subjective guide in this story and he is swept up and overwhelmed by the lifestyle of the mega-rich. And the parties are awesome! The parties are so lavish, and while not for the reasons they may seem there is an emotional force behind the emptiness on the surface.
The acting is quite good too. DiCaprio is the top winner in this category. It was nice to see him play a character who makes a bit of fool of himself and has some real anxiety as well. His character is well-groomed and seems to be acting in a way he believes the rich should act. None of the other characters have quite the depth, but they play their range well. Edgerton is rough, but still seems human. Mulligan is very good as Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby's love. She seems a little forgotten at the very end, but she comes across as honorable and realistic in her love for Gatsby and her previous love for Tom Buchanan. Elizabeth Debicki is simply gorgeous as Jordan. She warms up her icy character as she gets to know Carraway, and does a great job of turning her back on him in her last shot - greatly symbolic of her turning her back on Carraway's sense of emotion and honor in favor of her rich lifestyle. Lastly, Tobey Maguire is solid as Nick Carraway. He doesn't have huge range as an actor, but is always identifiable for the audience and definitely seems like someone who would be curious, observing and loyal to Gatsby.
In summary, this is not the 1925 novel. Some have complained about changes from the book and the choices of what was included/not included. In 2013, 9 decades after the story takes place, Baz Luhrman gives this his unique new vision and makes it incredibly cinematic. If you want the subtle story of 1925, you certainly should read the justifiably legendary book. The films will always be subservient to the book, but Luhrman's film is incredibly bold and tragic. You can't go back and live in the past and love cannot be acquired through climbing up America's social ladder.