Review of The Great Gatsby (1974) by Mimi S — 26 May 2013

I have to say that I enjoyed the new 2013 version better than this one. This version may be less muddled and confused than Baz Luhrman's and more true to the novel, but it didn't have the same energy. The acting was ok, Mia Farrow was likeable and charming and Robert Redford (who is just too gorgeous for words) was a good choice for Gatsby. They were good at their respective roles, but I felt at times that they lacked chemistry, Carey Mulligan and Leonardo Di Caprio had much better chemistry. The Great Gatsby is based on the novel of the same name about Daisy and Tom Buchanan (Mia Farrow and Bruce Dern), a wealthy but unhappy couple living in New York who are re-aquainted with Daisy's cousin Nick Carraway (Sam Waterton) who is respected but not part of their wealthy circle. Carraway's neighbour is Gatsby (Redford), the mysterious billionaire in love with his former flame Daisy, wishing to be reunited with her. I think that the film was beautifully filmed and really had the feel of the 1920s. However I felt it was a bit too long and unengaging at times. Although the new version is a bit muddled and confused, the acting and the emotions were much stronger. This version is pretty decent, even if it's not that good at least you've got Robert Redford to gaze at.

Grade: B.