The 20s and rap music

Rating: 7/10 (16 July 2013)

Just recently, I had read F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel "The Great Gatsby" in preparation for Baz Luhrmann's new film that bears the same name. "The Great Gatsby" stars Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway, an aspiring writer and war veteran who is struggling to make a profit after entering the bonds business. He moves into a small cottage on Long Island, where just over on the other side of the bay lives his cousin Daisy Buchanan, played by Carey Mulligan and her snobbish husband Tom, played by Joel Edgerton. Next to his humble cottage stands a massive palace owned by a wealthy businessman shrouded in mystery named Jay Gatsby. New York inhabitants flock to his home every weekend where he holds grand parties. In this case invitations are not necessary, though Nick seems to be the only one invited. Upon his arrival, Nick is bedazzled by the shear scale of the party. He bumps into a woman named Jordan Baker, a famous sportswoman who he had met earlier whilst visiting his cousin's house. They decide to search for the party's host, Mr. Gatsby. Purely by accident, Nick seems to come face to face with the man himself. As the story progresses we discover more about Gatsby and his somewhat unusual past.
The film has been constantly advertised as a thrilling and energetic adaptation of the novel, but after seeing it i'm not sure that's a good thing. Where the novel was subtle and elegant, the film is outlandish and at times even a bit obnoxious. As with such films as "Moulin Rouge" and "Romeo + Juliet", Luhrmann seems to focus more on the style of the film and undermines the story. Though, I can't deny that the film looks beautiful, even if the style feels overbearing. People have criticized the use of modern day music, I personally thought this was a bold choice that played out very well on screen. The music helped set the scene for the parties and added a certain charm to the classic setting. Surprisingly, the 3D was unusually well done. I'm really not a fan of this so whenever I go see a 3D movie it tends to feel like a chore. In this case it really helped to immerse me in the story, as well as create beautiful visuals. On an acting level everyone delivered solid performances. Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Joel Edgerton were all fine. The supporting actors were also just as good. Isla Fisher and Elisabeth Debicki did a great job at showing the contrast between different types of people in the society of the late 20′s. Whilst Fisher's character was vulgar and provocative Debicki's was sleek and classy.
In hindsight, Luhrmann's adaptation of Fitzgerald's classic novel can be obnoxious due to the overbearing style of the film, but it also provides the viewer with beautiful visuals, well acted performances and a well paced story. It establishes itself as a faithful and energetic imagining of the book. It certainly is not as great as it has been advertised to be, but it still is pretty good.