Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby

[Ultimatehero]

Then that was really odd and random reference then. My whole theater-turn-out point was I was afraid the movie was going to bomb because there were only ten people in my theater. And it seems to have been selling out and doing very well in other places. So this theater or area was really strange in turn-out compared to most it seems like.

 

[mclay18]

I'm actually surprised and pleased with the turn out. I went to see it Friday night and the theater was less than 25% filled. I was afraid that meant something. Might just say something about the area.......

Here in the South, we got the usual Leo fangirls -- college and high school girls. Then add in older couples who read the novel way back when and wanted to see this version.

The 7 p.m. shows (non-3D) from Friday-Sunday have been close to 3/4's full, if not getting close to full capacity. Even had a decent turnout for a 4 p.m. show in 3D on Friday, though the 2D has been the main attraction.

It could be the region you're living in too. I'm puzzled at the lack of turnout in your area... you still live in L.A., no?

 

[Ultimatehero]

It could be the region you're living in too. I'm puzzled at the lack of turnout in your area... you still live in L.A., no?

Upstate New York. To give an estimate, it's the same amount of people as when I went to a Monday matinee at 11:50 for 'Big Wedding' which has been out here for 2-3 weeks when I saw it (great movie, btw, or adoptee bias there). Same amount. And I saw Gatsby 6:50 PM 3D. Usually those aren't empty, especially on a Friday night. It was just... really weird...

Dinner could have been part of it. But, then again restaurants fill up around here at 5:30 and empty around 6:30. Even then... for it to have the same amount on a Friday night as an early matinee of a movie that's been out 2-3 weeks was very surreal for me lol.

 

[nightwing06]

The Great Gatsby


Director Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby
will likely go down as the most adequate,and succesful big screen version of the tale of
lost love and hopefulness.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby is the standout,mysterious and hopeful to regain the love of the now
married Daisy Buchanan( (Carey Mulligan) after a period of 5 years.
It's a charming portrayal of anger,frustration,and nervousness.
When Gatsby is finally face to face with Daisy it is one of the best scenes in the movie.Even though the
film is filled with a lot of dizzying flash and dazzle,and the high of the times when everything was going up and up
Luhrmann always brings the audience back down to earth with the human drama and the longing to reclaim
the past that propelled and made the novel so famous.

There are slight changes from the novel here and there but not enough to distract from the core of
the story.
For the most part the other actors fill out their roles well,but some dont fair as well and are swallowed
up by the massive set design and deliver their lines as if they are reading straight from the novel.

Luhrmann's use of contemporary music from Jay-Z, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé and André 3000
is not as distracting as i though it would be.It blends into Gershwin almost seamlessly
as panoramic shots of 1920's New York fill the screen.

Will there ever be a perfect film adaptation of Fitzgerald's acclaimed work?
That may be one of those unattainable dreams Fitzgerald wrote about.

Scale of 1-10 an 8

 

[The Guard]

What a great movie. A fantastic adaption and a fantastic film on so many levels. The music didn't bother me in the least, and was actually pretty darn effective. Many of the performances were stellar, especially DeCaprio and Edgerton. Maguire was solid, but very effective, and DeCaprio might well have won his Oscar at long last...within about the first 15-20 minutes of Gatsby's screentime. He was a joy to watch in this movie, and this may be the most natural, human and compelling performance we've seen him give yet, which is a little ironic considering the character he's playing and the layers involved therein.

Not sure where all the "There's no depth" nonsense is coming from. There was plenty of emotional and thematic depth in this movie, which was wonderful visually, but still managed to have some subtlety to it, though I loved the incredibly obvious "Gatsby does something sinister and no one notices because they aren't looking" angle the film took. About the only qualm I had with this film was the exposition regarding Gatsby's secret past toward the middle of the film.

 

[DACrowe]

Saw this again tonight with some friends, one of whom is obsessed with the book and loved the movie.

I watched it closely the second time on a more critical, thematic level. While it is (obviously) not as intricate or beautiful as the perfect American Novel, it is a stunning film that really does capture much of the depth and complexity of the book.

I understand Luhrmann's style is not for everyone and that there are some drawbacks. He is not for everyone and I can respect that.

But if you think this movie is shallow or does not have depth, you were not paying attention.

 

[bullets]

I think once Luhrmann takes his finger off the fast forward button it starts to get really good. Tobey isn't the ideal narrator ,but he does a fine job with it. Leonardo DiCaprio is fantastic. I think we could of spent some more time with minor characters and aside from not loving the film entirely there are moments of greatness. Also I don't mind that they traded jazz for jay-z , lol.

 

[Tim_Riggins]

Wow. Just came back from this, I'm very impressed. First Baz movie I see (yeah yeah I know). I was transported from the very beginning, the great opening titles stretching into infinity, giving 3D its full potential. I really think the 3D definitely adds to the experience, it draws you in, especially during the party scenes, or even moreso, in more quiet, dialogue heavy scenes (which is interesting in this context).

The cast is great, DiCaprio keeps blowing me away, it's like he was born to play Gatsby, just perfection, broke my heart in the last third. Mulligan is so fitting, I dont remember my feelings about Daisy when I read the book (3 or 4 years back), but I like her character, I didnt hate her at all, and she is so cute and fragile. Edgerton is having a fricking ball as Tom Buchanan, so macho, and yet, moving when Daisy is forced to tell him she never loved him. Debicki is a standout as Jordan Baker.

Maguire, I dont see why he's being hammered, but he is really adequate, and good ; if he were bad, the whole movie would crumble, it does not.

Since it is the first Baz movie I see, I was really taken aback in the first few minutes, I loved the trailers, but wow, the dude is going for it, magnificent sweeping shots, very fluid, it feels intoxicating, this + contemporary music, it all clicked for me. Gorgeous cinematography, the score by Armstrong (that I'm going to be looking for, hopefully it gets released) was great and really supported a lot of important scenes.

I just love how frantic the first half is, I can understand it being too much for some people, but man, how exciting and just exhilirating it feels. I love too the second half being more grounded, and toned down, where Lurhmann just lets the emotions and the situations, and the story speak for themselves.

I remember loving the book, but I was really moved, and this is thanks to the great direction and the great performances. I read some critics saying it is all style over substance here, and I couldnt disagree more. There is grace, and beauty all throughout the movie, especially in the last third.

The story is so moving, and heartbreaking to see how Gatbsy dedicates his whole life to Daisy, does all of this for her, and my god, the famous scene at the end, it has to be one of the most beautiful scenes ever committed to film, the look on his face, the dolly shot, going away from the green light.

I also really like the words, and sentences being written on screen, very graphic, and it really makes the end so powerful.

Oh and kudos at Armstrong using Young & Beautiful as a recurring main theme. MY EMOTIONS !!!!!!

 

[DACrowe]

If you like this you may also like Baz's Romeo + Juliet. It is a bit more frantic and raw (i.e. unfocused and controlled) than his Gatsby, but it is quite the experience.

I think his best movie to date is Moulin Rouge! However, that will only work for you if neither musicals or pop songs scare you off. In which case, give it a try.

 

[jacobed]

I liked Romeo + Juliet just because the idea was a fun one. Setting it in modern times. It was the first time I saw a Shakespeare production like that.

 

[Hellion]

I think his best movie to date is Moulin Rouge!

 

[bullets]

Wow. Just came back from this, I'm very impressed. First Baz movie I see (yeah yeah I know). I was transported from the very beginning, the great opening titles stretching into infinity, giving 3D its full potential. I really think the 3D definitely adds to the experience, it draws you in, especially during the party scenes, or even moreso, in more quiet, dialogue heavy scenes (which is interesting in this context).

The cast is great, DiCaprio keeps blowing me away, it's like he was born to play Gatsby, just perfection, broke my heart in the last third. Mulligan is so fitting, I dont remember my feelings about Daisy when I read the book (3 or 4 years back), but I like her character, I didnt hate her at all, and she is so cute and fragile. Edgerton is having a fricking ball as Tom Buchanan, so macho, and yet, moving when Daisy is forced to tell him she never loved him. Debicki is a standout as Jordan Baker.

Maguire, I dont see why he's being hammered, but he is really adequate, and good ; if he were bad, the whole movie would crumble, it does not.

Since it is the first Baz movie I see, I was really taken aback in the first few minutes, I loved the trailers, but wow, the dude is going for it, magnificent sweeping shots, very fluid, it feels intoxicating, this + contemporary music, it all clicked for me. Gorgeous cinematography, the score by Armstrong (that I'm going to be looking for, hopefully it gets released) was great and really supported a lot of important scenes.

I just love how frantic the first half is, I can understand it being too much for some people, but man, how exciting and just exhilirating it feels. I love too the second half being more grounded, and toned down, where Lurhmann just lets the emotions and the situations, and the story speak for themselves.

I remember loving the book, but I was really moved, and this is thanks to the great direction and the great performances. I read some critics saying it is all style over substance here, and I couldnt disagree more. There is grace, and beauty all throughout the movie, especially in the last third.

The story is so moving, and heartbreaking to see how Gatbsy dedicates his whole life to Daisy, does all of this for her, and my god, the famous scene at the end, it has to be one of the most beautiful scenes ever committed to film, the look on his face, the dolly shot, going away from the green light.

I also really like the words, and sentences being written on screen, very graphic, and it really makes the end so powerful.

Oh and kudos at Armstrong using Young & Beautiful as a recurring main theme. MY EMOTIONS !!!!!!

Nice review I really like Leo's final monologue as Gatsby and the shots of him looking out at the end of the dock were wonderful. The green light was almost a character.


Also I love the Lana Del Ray song. It sets the mood perfectly.

 

[Tim_Riggins]

Thx, the movie is really sticking in my mind, listening to the soundtrack non stop. I hope they release Armstrong's score because it's great as well.


Leo is just so perfect, the ending is gorgeously shot.

 

[Spider-Fan]

This film reminded me very much of Moulin Rouge. The style and structure were almost identical. That said, very solid adaptation of the book. I do feel some portions of the film here and there could have been trimmed, but overall very solid job with the story.

 

[hopefuldreamer]

So I saw this on friday and was genuinely excited. Moulin Rouge is one of my fave films, and I loved Romeo and Juliet. Plus the trailers and the cast just looked great

However, I found it incredibly dissapointing, and in parts downright boring.

Here is my full review:

Spoiler

Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge) has made a name for himself by portraying tragic love stories within glitzy stylized settings; so the initial idea of his involvement in a Great Gatsby adaption (and the spectacularly well put together trailers that proceeded it) seemed to allude to a film with a fair amount of potential.

Unfortunately none of that potential was fulfilled, as the film is an unsatisfying and ultimately superficial affair lacking any of the heart of his previous films and sacrificing depth and emotion for grand spectacle - flaws that not even a mostly impressive cast can overcome.

In this adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald's American classic novel, 'The Great Gatsby' tells the tale of the mysterious billionaire J. Gatsby (Leonardo Dicaprio, Django Unchained), who resides in an illustrious mansion throwing flamboyant parties for the people of fictional West Egg in Long Island, while secretly hoping to woo long lost and married past love Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan, Shame). With the help of Daisy's cousin - wide eyed optimist Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire, Spiderman 3) - he hopes to sweep her off her feet with all the success and fortune he has amassed, and steal her away from her unfaithful husband Tom (Joel Edgerton, Zero Dark Thirty).

The trouble with the way this film is handled is that the story was obviously never intended to be a romanticized notion of epic true love, and the world they live in is certainly not just the exciting and glamorous lifestyle that it appears Luhrmann has had fun painting. The colourful and idealistic version of this world and these characters intentions is just one part of the original story, but apparently the only part he felt like giving any weight too.

There are brief moments where other aspects of the story (like the darker sides of the city and its people) are almost visible, but these moments are fleeting, and quickly disappear behind more glitter and sparkle.

Our narrator Nick Carraway is brought to semi-life by Tobey Maguire, who has barely been seen since his run as Spiderman. This may have been his big chance to re jig his career, but unfortunately, there is not much you can say about an actor that seems to always just be Tobey Maguire playing Tobey Maguire. The goofy, almost gormless expressions he brings with him to every role may have worked previously, but here it makes an intelligent and interesting character seem like a bit of a limp fool.

Sadly, the rest of the cast don't do much to carry the film either. Both Mulligan and DiCaprio have their moments, but neither shine particularly bright; nor does their romantic chemistry become entrancing enough for any real emotional investment. The characterisation was so poor that motivations and actions were hard to understand, and the most of the scenes have so little soul that it is difficult to care about the outcome of the story.

The 143 minute length feels torturously long due to a complete lack of pacing, or any well built up dramatic moments. Even the events that you'd imagine would feel exciting pass by with a yawn, as we skip on to the next session of dancing and drinking to Beyonce and Jay Z; a completely bizarre choice of soundtrack for an adaption of a classic American novel set in the 20s, that solidifies the film as something needlessly without class, and makes you feel completely removed from the feel of the era.

Some of the films pomp and fan fair is laughably cheesy (particular moments like Gatsby’s first introduction feel so over the top), and at times you can't help but think certain shots and moments were forcibly injected by Luhrmann as though he was trying to imitate his own style from previous films and cement himself as an auteur - rather than because the film naturally allowed for it or even benefited from it. The self-indulgent use of slow motion, floating words popping up at random moments and merged double screens, did more to take you out of the experience than add to the style of the film or the flow of the story.

It might be a fun experience if you go in with the expectation that it’s all just one big party, but if you’re looking for a powerful dramatic story that gives you something to chew on; you will be left sorely unsatisfied.
Overall, it just feels disappointingly empty, and even those who have not read the novel may walk away with a sense that there is a deeper plot hidden somewhere, if Baz Luhrmann had only ventured out of the shallow end of the pool.

Rating – 6/10

 

[Slushy]

There is only one Great Gatsby and his name is Robert Redford.

 

[jacobed]

Hahahahahahahaha no ohhh man no. DiCaprio destroys Redford so bad its not even funny

 

[terry78]

I've taken to calling everyone I see old sport.

 

[jacobed]

absolutely me too

 

[DaRkVeNgeanCe]

That's funny you guys say that I've been calling everyone old sport lately, it'll be hard to break considering I heard Leo say it over 100 times in the film haha.

 

[Two-Face]

It was funny every time he said "Old sport" because I keep hearing it.

 

[Spider-Fan]

Hahahahahahahaha no ohhh man no. DiCaprio destroys Redford so bad its not even funny

I think Redford was a great choice for Gatsby back then. The movie was just, not very good.

 

[weezerspider]

So who else is buying this on Blu-Ray for the sole purpose of the Leo 'Old Sport' Drinking game?

 

[DACrowe]

There is only one Great Gatsby and his name is Robert Redford.

Are you like serious?

I am not trying to be condescending or anything, but you ACTUALLY like that movie? I was under the impression that nobody involved, including the people who made it, thought it was a good adaptation.

It turned one of the Great American Novels into one of the most boring, stiff and awkwardly mounted adaptations of all time. That movie literally has no life to it. Redford, who I think is a truly underrated actor in the right role, is dead on arrival as his blank-faced Gatsby and Mia Farrow turns the inwardly ugly Daisy into the most gratingly obnoxious and flighty moron of '70s cinema. The idea that Gatsby would throw it all away on that?!

Seriously have you seen both versions?

Compare the energy in Luhrmann's version of these few scenes with how they looked in that flick:








I just really hate that version. I wish YouTube had the shirt scene. The awfulness of it in that movie is legendary.

 

[Monsieur Xavier]

^^
I never saw the Redford version but I think what you dislike ( from the youtube excerpts ) is coming from the cinematographic style of the movies of this era.
Also, DiCaprio is just too good even compared to Redford.