He is known for the magic behind “Moulin Rouge” and “Romeo + Juliet”. And with a USD127 million production budget on top of a stellar cast (read: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Elizabeth Debicki, Isla Fisher, just to name a few), you would only expect wonderful things. Well, if you hadn’t read the book, that is.
Originally slated for a Christmas release, Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” is all that’s visually stunning , dazzling, and more. As a matter of fact, it’s safe to say that he definitely got the concept down pat. We love the fact that his take on F.Scott Fitzgerald’s classic was given the modern spin without skimping on details and costumes.
For those of you who haven’t read the book, here’s the lowdown:
“The Great Gatsby” is narrated by Nick Carraway (played by Tobey Maguire) who tells a story about a mysterious Jay Gatsby (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). Jay is a millionaire who is seemingly charming and suave at first but as the story progresses we discover the dark side, the self-destruction. When Nick moves in next to Gatsby’s mansion, Gatsby dives right into using him as a way to rekindle his lost romance with Daisy (played by Carey Mulligan). Daisy is, of course, Nick’s cousin. Conveniently. But she is also married to Nick’s friend, Tom (played by Joel Edgerton). And if you marry for money, well, you know how that goes down.
The enigmatic Gatsby then sets out to impress Daisy the best way he knows how – by leading an extravagant lifestyle and throwing wild parties. And were so many scenes that both stole and broke our hearts, moments like when Daisy sees Gatsby for the first time in five years remains etched in our minds.
The chemistry between the duo almost made us believe that they’re real – but you’ll have to see it to believe it.
Baz Luhrmann spared nothing to make “The Great Gatsby” the wildly popular commercial success that it has become since its release, taking the term “visionary” to a whole new level once again. But as always, we’d suggest you read the book first before watching the film. Believe us, it’s worth it:
“The Great Gatsby” is out in a cinema near you now.
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