Review of The Great Gatsby (2013) by Robin H — 20 Jun 2014
As one of the great tragedies of American literature, Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a terrifying undertaking for any director. Having read the book countless times, I was skeptical about the gilded, glitzy design of Luhrmann's film. While not an historically accurate recreation of the time period, the decadent carelessness portrayed in the film coincides with modern society's mythic vision of the 20s.
In spite of the over-the-top stylistic choices and the incongruity of modern music overlaid during transitional scenes, the essence of the book is very present: that is, the selfishness and inhumanity of the Buchanans and their like, and the toll it takes on everyone involved.
DiCaprio's performance was by far the most stunning aspect of the film, surpassing even the bedazzled excess of Gatsby's parties. His accurate portrayal of a man who wanted nothing more than to live his dreams included all the arrogance, hope, determination, vulnerability, and obsessive mania that so embodies the literary character.
This review of The Great Gatsby (2013) was written by Robin H on 20 Jun 2014.
The Great Gatsby has generally received positive reviews.
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