Good Movie

Rating: 8/10 (4 October 2015)

Baz Luhrmann produces an amazing film with his production of the novel, "The Great Gatsby." From the vibrant sets, the platonic chemistry of the characters, and a soundtrack to fit the scene, Luhrmann nails this one right on the head. This film redefines the possibilities of the "classic novel movie."
This film is about the irresistible love story of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan). The once lovers are reunited and that is where the real story begins. Gatsby's neighbor, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), just so happens to be Daisy's cousin and that is Gatsby's connection back to her. But the biggest obstacle of all throughout the movie? Daisy is not a single woman, she is married to the wealthy and powerful Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). This film portrays the story of Gatsby and Daisy and how it their love was destructive to everyone involved.
One epic scene was the extravagant party scene thrown by Gatsby at his palace of a home. Thousands of extras and thousands of costumes were sewn just for this one scene. Not to mention, Luhrmann won two Academy Awards in costume design and production design. The chaotic feeling of it all makes you feel as if you are part of the party. With all the dancing, streamers, add fireworks, you are left in awe from Luhrmann's amazing visuals, which sets a spectacular precedent for the rest of the film.
Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Jay Gatsby is absolutely captivating. DiCaprio can pull off the mixture of pathetic vulnerability and confident charisma that is known as the Gatsby character. With urgency in his voice and an ever-so charming smirk, DiCaprio steals your heart in this film. He commands the audience with every presence and keeps you on edge of your seat with his dazzling performance.
Carey Mulligan could not have been a better fit for the role of Daisy Buchanan. She floats throughout the film with this type of innocence that leaves you questioning how innocent she really is. Mulligan takes on the sad-eyed role of the narcissistic Daisy, and plays it perfectly. Every scene she appears in, Mulligan light voice leaves you wanting more. She is more than any Dais Buchanan, she is the Daisy that F. Scott Fitzgerald would have wanted to play the role. Mulligan plays his role to a tee.
Tobey Maguire's on screen performance as Nick Carraway was also utterly inspiring. The way he is pulled into Gatsby's world and then back to his own leaves you asking yourself if anyone else could have pulled off a better performance. The answer to that is no, Maguire's performance was one of a kind. His facial expressions help describe more than any other actor's words could. Overall, Maguire makes you feel the emotion of the truly devastating tale.
The soundtrack of the film is the cherry on top. The anachronistic soundtrack will leave you hypnotized with amazement. Jay-Z, the producer of the soundtrack, pulls together the hectic-ness of the party scenes with jazz with a beat along with the having the lustfully beautiful Lana Del Rey and Beyonce to depict the romantic urgency between Gatsby and Daisy. The music is a mix between yesterday's Jazz and the modern world of pop; and it most definitely works. The contemporary approach was a huge hit.
Baz Luhrmann pulls through with this one, making this novel into an epic love story. It is a terrific adaption that succeeds as a great film. In this jazz-inspired film, you will get a glimpse of the frenzied life in the 1920's. Between the Grammy-nominated soundtrack produced by Jay-Z, a cast that captures your attention on-screen, and a director that makes you feel a part of the extravagant party scenes, you will fall hopelessly in love with the story of Jay Gatsby's and Daisy Buchanan's love story. Baz Luhrmann treats this novel with a modern playfulness and his approach definitely works.