Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Movie Review: The Great Gatsby (2013)

The most recent adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic "The Great Gatsby" stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Tobby Maguire as Nick Carraway, and Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan.  This classic tale is narrated by Maguire's character, Nick, who finds himself entwined with his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Gatsby.  Nick becomes involved in engineering the re-meeting of his new friend and his married cousin, Daisy.  The film follows the life of these characters interacting during one summer of the Roaring Twenties in the New York area (the fictional West Egg and East Egg).

This film is breathtaking to watch as it's a visual treat to see Gatsby's over-the-top glittering parties come to life and the costumes are amazing.  The soundtrack is interesting as it's contemporary rather than period though it's not a choice that will win over all audiences.  Not everyone is interested in Jay-Z's music playing in a film set in the 20's.  Overall it's more style than substance but there are some interesting performances here.  Joel Edgerton is good as Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, and I liked Isla Fisher as Myrtle.  As for the lead roles, I did like DiCaprio but Maguire was a bit dull and Mulligan is okay but no depth.

It's beautiful but lacks the passion and heart that would've made this great.  Pass if you don't like rap with your flappers - C+


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