The Great Gatsby Review

The Great Gatsby

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Elizabeth Debicki, Amitabh Bachchan, Gemma Ward
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: From the uniquely imaginative mind of writer/producer/director Baz Luhrmann comes the new big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. The filmmaker will create his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before, in a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.

'The Great Gatsby" follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super-rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Coming off the heels of an incredible event in Cannes, The Great Gatsby released in 49 territories outside of the US/Canada, grossing a sensational $42.1m with 4.6m admissions from almost 8,400 screens. This is Baz Luhrmann's biggest opening ever, 38% higher than Australia in the same markets ($30.4m) and 3x higher than the same markets opening Moulin Rouge ($13.8m).

Verdict: The Great Gatsby cements Baz Luhrmann as a visionary director, once again, as he successfully brings F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby to the big screen in an indulging representation for those who've read the classic and those new to the world of Jay Gatsby.

Baz Luhrmann magnificently modernises The Great Gatsby in all the precise ways showcasing the message of Fitzgerald is as relevant as ever in our present society. The film depicts how the dream of success and fortune is worth everything to the individual, which is evident permanently especially now. The Great Gatsby is a visual celebration that floods the senses with the unique Fitzgerald and Luhrmann interpretation of this great dream, the American Dream.

'Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope."

Tobey Maguire is flawless in his portrayal of writer, Nick Carraway bringing both strength and susceptibility in equal measure to the role. Whilst Leonardo DiCaprio steals the attention of audiences with his alluring expose of the guarded Jay Gatsby, revealing the man beneath the name.

As Nick Carraway introduces audiences to the mysterious Gatsby we are thrown into a world of spectacular parties, fast cars and gorgeous property with no expense spared. However it all begins to fall into place when Carraway is informed that his cousin Daisy Buchanan knew Gatsby before he had an abundance of money and before she married the extremely wealthy Tom (Joel Edgerton).

'And I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy."

Captivating for the entire 142 minutes this drama takes audiences on an impressively sparkling journey of the spring of 1922 with glamorous costumes and remarkable jewelry whilst the stunning soundtrack provides a contemporary take to the dazzling jazz of the era. All the while never losing sight of the dream, Gatsby's dream, to have it all...

"Can't repeat the past?... Why of course you can!"

Rating: ******
- Brooke Hunter