The greatest 'Gatsby'

Rating: 9/10 (26 May 2013)

Often when a classic novel is adapted into a film, a director leaves their personal tics outside the door in an effort to make an adaptation undying in its reverence to the source material. Appropriately, Jack Clayton's overly inert 1974 version of 'Gatsby' is an example, because it was simply a direct translation of the book on screen with no surprises or filmmaking flourishes. As its star, Robert Redford commented, "If a film is just totally loyal to the book, then why make the film?" Unsurprisingly, the same cannot be said for Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's sublime novel, as this is clearly a Baz Luhrmann film in the same way that his take on 'Romeo and Juliet' was. For those unfamiliar with the Aussie director's filmography, what does this mean for the movie? The answer can be pinpointed to Gatsby's introduction in the film and how it contrasts with the same moment in Clayton's version. In the latter, Gatsby quietly approaches Nick and they engage in a gentle conversation; however in the former, the bombast of Rhapsody in Blue plays and a smiling Gatsby turns to Nick raising a glass of champagne as fireworks explode in the background and guests dance about wildly.
'The Great Gatsby' is set over one summer in 1922, as fresh-faced stock- broker Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) moves to New York from the Midwest, living in a small cottage across a bay from his beautiful cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her blue-blooded husband Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). Nick is slowly drawn to his mysterious millionaire neighbour by the name of "Gatsby" (Leonardo DiCaprio) and becomes increasingly intrigued by his past.
Many of this film's detractors have complained that it is a prime example of style over substance, which although not the case in my opinion, it is undeniable that it does carry a significant amount of style. The party scenes are so dazzling on initial viewing that they are almost dizzying; every frame appears as though Baz Luhrmann meticulously thought-it-over, which works effectively in portraying the inflating excess of the period. This 'Gatsby' is a real visual spectacle in the way that no previous adaptation of the novel ever was. Immensely detailed, the beautiful depiction of twenties-era New York feels very alive and vibrant, helping to keep the viewer consistently engaged in the period lifestyle . The movie's visual side is expertly complemented by an anachronistic Jay-Z produced soundtrack that works surprisingly well.
One of the biggest flaws of the 1974 adap of Gatsby was Robert Redford's poor performance as the titular character. Thankfully, in reuniting with his 'Romeo + Juliet' director, Leonardo DiCaprio has become the greatest Gatsby. He perfectly inhabits Gatsby, understanding the depths and nuances of Fitzgerald's creation, delivering a performance that is by turns, assured, insecure, passionate and tormented. DiCaprio is supported by excellent cast who also manage to bring their characters to life, whether it be Tobey Maguire's effortless turn as narrator Nick, Carey Mulligan's great portrayal of Daisy (a considerably difficult role to nail) or Joel Edgerton's pitch-perfect grasp of Tom, holding his own brilliantly with DiCaprio in a hotel room scene.
'The Great Gatsby' is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the greatest novels ever written and thankfully, it is safe to say that while Luhrmann has made a recognisably 'Baz Luhrmann' movie, he has also made a film that is pleasingly loyal to the book, grasping the subtleties in the text. This adaptation of the Roaring Twenties' definitive novel really does roar into life, much like Gatsby's yellow behemoth of a car. This is a lively, inventive and immersive piece of work with visual spectacle, emotion, impressive direction and superb performances. Finally, we have a great 'Gatsby'.