May 10 2013

The Great Gatsby

Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), World War I vet, writer turned financial bond salesman, and silent confidant to many is attempting to put his own life together when he discovers the mysterious world of the new money millionaire next door, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). Attracted and perplexed by Gatsby’s carefree and almost reckless habits, the two become quick friends, but for Carraway there’s a hidden cost. Adding to the mix, Carraway’s cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan), happens to be married to old money, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). But Gatsby’s interest in Daisy means old money mixing with new money, suspicions grow, meanwhile marital relations seem to be on the brink in the Buchanan household. The setup for great tragedy and heartbreak is at hand, perhaps it can all be avoided, after all, it’s Jay Gatsby’s unrelenting optimism that got him to where he’s at today, and what is it that Gatsby is really seeking?the-great-gatsby-poster1 Directed by the artistic and creative visionary Baz Luhrmann, it appears as though Luhrmann is once again attempting to bridge 19th, 20th, and 21st century musical styles ala Moulin Rouge; alas, where Moulin seamlessly blends genres and decades, Gatsby seems to lack the savy and poetic touch to pull off the illusion. From a visual standpoint, there are moments where Gatsby is truly breathtaking, loaded with nods to all that was the roaring 20’s bleeding into the 30’s, an Art Deco splattered dream. Some might find this over the top, but in retrospect, it’s probably not significantly more flamboyant or garish than any other actual film from the period, Bugsby Berkeley comes to mind. Acting from the ensemble feels on par, although there’s something about a 30 something Gatsby saying “Sure thing old sport..” that just comes across as a little awkward, meh, champagne problems I suppose. Bottom line, It’s entertaining, doesn’t quite live up to Luhrmann’s potential, but still might make for a nice matinee. The Great Gatsby is rated PG-13.