Master of over-the-top Hollywood director Baz Luhrmann is bringing opulence back in fashion with its adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire, the movie takes us back in the 1920’s where bigger parties, looser morals and mindless spending are worshipped by higher classes of American society.
After seeing Romeo+Juliet, Moulen Rouge and Strictly Ballroom, it’s hard to think of a more appropriate way to display excess wealth of the era than the 2013 version. It’s even harder to think of someone more suitable to expresses it than director Baz Luhrmann, but maybe the greatest feature of the movie is actually the presence of DiCaprio who makes a fantastic Gatsby. Those who have read the novel will surely appreciate the detailed and overflowing luxury which was even displayed at this year opening of Cannes Festival. The movie opened the 66th Cannes Film Festival Wednesday night, where it was billed as Gatsby le Magnifique.
What about the storyline? It’s quite following the original story where Nick is lured into the luxury world of his neighbor, both empty and lavish. But Nick is presented, for many critics, in weird way, considering he is our narrator and guide to the storyline. Gatsby’s romantic obsession over Daisy (Carey Mulligan) is so real, it makes the audience love DiCaprio and his presentation.
If you are expecting a beautifully told story, you won’t get it, at least not completely. The reason for this is that The Great Gatsby is not about storytelling, it more about visual spectacle. It’s made in 3D, a technology exclusively used for action and animated motion pictures. The Jazz Age comes marvelous, exuberant and maybe a little over seasoned in 3D effects, but it’s really pleasing to the eye. Don’t expect any traditionally established narrative form of this story, even some of the classic words remained for decades, are not actually spoken here by Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) but float around us in 3D.
Since its release last week, The Great Gatsby has divided the critics, but certainly draws all the attention with the numerous luxury brands and premium products used during the shooting. Whether you are a fashion addict, or just feel attracted to the mystically beautiful Jazz Age, you will love this movie. It’s also a must-see for every DiCaprio fan.
