The next-to-best Gatsby

Rating: 7/10 (2 June 2013)

First, I want to say that I did not see the 3D version of this movie, so my review is only for the 2D version.
I read the book years ago. I saw the 1974 movie the year it came out. I am a fan of both. But I am also a fan of Baz Luhrman. One could tell this new movie was a Baz Luhrman product within 3 seconds. And the remainder of the film has his signature all over it. Even though I might criticize this 2013 version, I want to say that I liked it.
I preferred the music in the 1974 version, but I did not find the modern music of this version annoying at all. The 1974 film was slightly more faithful to the book--which is a good thing--but this version was fairly faithful. The main difference was the invention of a back story concerning Nick's health. I found it distracting and, more importantly, an invalidation of Nick's reliability as narrator (and our guide to the world of Gatsby and environs).
I also preferred the actors in the 1974 version. Redford is more reserved--a man in control, a man of mystery who does not wear his heart on his sleeve. Mia Farrow's Daisy was much more fleshed out and more believable, not to mention a sadder victim of her society. In similar ways, I preferred all of the acting choices from 1974.
Some have called The Great Gatsby a love story. From Gatsby's point of view, that is true. But from the reader's point of view, TGG is a mystery. As we read the book, we are trying to understand the man, and solve the mysteries of his past.
As others have said, the quick cuts that drive the narrative of the 2013 version are annoying and, worse yet, impair the viewer's ability to immerse himself in the lavish richness of the visuals.
One reviewer said she really enjoyed the "beautiful shirts" scene in the 2013 version. For me there was no comparison. I would use that scene as an example of where the 1974 film was much superior. When Redford tosses the shirts, the viewer feels he is in a rich, colorful, extravagant shower. And Farrow's Daisy is positively overcome by the experience.
In closing, I recommend this film, but I recommend that viewers first read the book and see the 1974 Gatsby. May you be lured to West Egg as surely as the jazz-age celebrants were drawn to the flame of Gatsby's determination.