Review: The Great Gatsby

By. Joe Moss 
★ ★

So for more than a year, we have been tantalized by Baz Luhrmann’s seemingly epic version of the F. Scott Fitzgerald masterpiece of American literature “The Great Gatsby.”  A film depicting the excess lifestyle of the roaring 20’s in New York City. A time where money flowed from Wall Street investment firms into the pockets of many an enterprising entrepreneur; much in the manner that the illegal booze flowed from every bootlegging storefront or cellar into many a household. A time where racial divides existed everywhere and women were still considered second class citizens—better to be seen and not heard, or as an accessory to showcase glitz and glam but offer no cerebral pontification during conversation.

  Unfortunately, I have to say that I was supremely disappointed. Yes, the cinematographic elements were there thanks to Simon Duggan (I, Robot), and the costume design was as extravagant as the setting dictated thanks to Baz Luhrmann’s wife (and long-time design collaborator), Oscar winner Catherine Martin (Moulin Rouge); but it was the script from Baz and writing partner Craig Pearce (Moulin Rouge, Romeo & Juliet) that was severely lacking. While the script did hold true to the book for a great majority of the film, much of the film was from the narrative viewpoint rather than through dialogue. This allowed for many long moments of dead-time throughout the movie.  Moments where I found my mind wandering and at times even found myself drifting to the point of daydreaming...on what the film was lacking.

  With the multi Oscar nominated star power cast in the lead roles of the film—3 nominations for Leonardo DiCaprio (Jay Gatsby), Tobey Maguire (Nick Carraway), and 1 nomination for Carey Mulligan (Daisy Buchanan)—I would have much rather there was more time spent on true dialogue to afford the actors the ability to showcase their talent and craft. It almost seemed as though the filmmakers decided that the scenery and the soundtrack were the stars of the film versus the plot itself.  Given what he had to work with, I feel that DiCaprio portrayed Jay Gatsby with true aplomb—conveying much emotion though his dynamic facial expressions. Carey Mulligan’s role as Daisy Buchanan played well to the camera, but her talent as a thespian was not truly showcased rather was barely a hint throughout the film. As well, Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway felt rather contrived and overly sardonic instead of reaching the emotionless state that he is supposed to be suffering as observed through the psychiatrist’s notes at the onset of the film.

  The soundtrack of the film was vivid , boisterous, and often lascivious.  I loved the modern element that it provided the story. From Jay-Z’s “100$ Bill,  Florence + The Machine’s “Over the Love,” to the ever recurring “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey, the music reminded the moviegoer what English teachers have been saying for years, that “The Great Gatsby” is timeless. The ever present subtext about greed and moral depravity can easily be assimilated into any culture and/or society. Ultimately, while I love the story and the soundtrack, I cannot say that I loved the film. I hold Baz Luhrmann to much higher standards and expect every film to rise to the standard he set for himself with “Moulin Rouge.”