Review of The Great Gatsby (1974) by Lanning : — 01 May 2007

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . .

. And one fine morning-- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. I tell you, flixsters, depending on what kind of a day it's been, this may ring all too true : ) My favorite Redford movie of all, and an interesting adaptation of one of my favorite novels, this will definitely not prove to be everyone's cup of tea.

Farrow is a surprisingly good choice to bring Daisy Buchanan to life, falteringly balancing a faded idea of romance against the burgeoning tide of privileged ennui and shallow nonchalance. The supporting cast is stunning all-around, and Sam Waterston, as the framing narrative voice and point-of-view, plays Gatsby's only real friend to perfection.

The pool scene, paced to a devastating climax, slowly plays out a universal worst fear of pursing love that is in reality permanently lost to begin with. The soundtrack, punctuated by versions of "What'll I Do?", is haunting and unforgettable.

In those occasional gloomier moments, I sometimes believe I am Nick Carraway's Gatsby--minus the money : ).