The Great Gatsby Review: How Great is Gatsby?

Director: Baz Luhrmann

 

UK Release Date: 16th May 2013

 

Running Time: 143 minutes

 

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire

The Great Gatsby sees Leonardo DiCaprio link up once again with director Baz Luhrmann as he did in Romeo + Juliet (1996). Joining DiCaprio in the cast are Carey Mulligan in what is the biggest film of her career so far, Joel Edgerton and Tobey Maguire.  The film is an adaptation of  Francis Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel of the same name.  The film follows character Nick Carraway (Maguire) as he tells the story of the mysterious Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio) set in 1920's America. 

The film was a big budget movie and there was a lot of hype surrounding its release in 2013 which was originally delayed.  However, it was well worth the wait and this film of epic proportions does not disappoint.  DiCaprio produces another magnificent performance to which we have all been accustomed to.  Although you have to wait a while before you fully get to witness him as Gatsby with the opening scenes only ever showing small glimpses.  Maguire works well as Carraway and fits the role as someone who is trying to fit into his surroundings of the roaring twenties.  The lead female role Daisy Buchanan who is played by Carey Mulligan asserts herself on the screen alongside the likes of well established actors such as DiCaprio and Maguire showing she too can be a star of Hollywood.  The cast fit their roles perfectly and work well together. 

The roaring twenties is a period known for big parties and flamboyancy in the United States. It was boom time for the country with Wall Street flourishing.  The film represents this in a great way and you can see where a lot of the budget was spent. No detail was left untouched from the set, scenes and outfits the characters were made to wear.  This really adds to the whole experience while watching the film and makes it very enjoyable to see one interpretation of what the roaring twenties were like.

Another interesting aspect of Luhrman's version of this story is the soundtrack that is used to accompany it.  The soundtrack was executively produced by none other than Jay Z and here at M+F Reviews we were very impressed.  The soundtrack compliments the film and the time period The Great Gatsby is set in.  With some new tracks on the album and some covers, the soundtrack would have been a hit by itself even if not associated with the film. The soundtrack includes work by Florence + The Machine, Jack White, Brian Ferry and Beyoncé.

If you like big movies then you will love the Great Gatsby.  Big parties, big music and a big cast make this Baz Luhrman film one of the greats.  It can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone with many different aspects ranging from fashion and music to the awesome set design and impressive cast. The Great Gatsby is great and M+F Reviews encourages you to watch it if you have not already!

M+F Rating: 8/10

 

 

Reviewed by M+F Reviews.