The Great Gatsby’s
iconic characters and story come to life in Luhrmann’s brand new rendition of
the classic. His artistic version of the timeless tale lends itself perfectly
into Fitzgerald’s prose and mystique.
Luhrmann’s motion picture follows Nick Carraway’s character
through multiple therapy sessions where his first hand account forms
Fitzgerald’s first person narrative. In this way, the dialogue in the movie
exactly matches certain passages of the original text. Most notably, the
movie’s ending is word for word from the book. Luhrmann understood the power of
the language in The Great Gatsby and
seamlessly formed a brilliant movie around it.
Despite staying true to the past, the movie also had its
modern flare. Throughout the movie the score was up-to-date. This juxtaposed
music created a very glorified version of the story, not to mention it was just
fun.
One part about the movie that didn’t quite match the book
was the murder. In the book it very much comes out of nowhere, most of the
explanation to the event is told after the fact by Carraway’s relentless
research. In the movie, however, there is a lot of foreshadowing that leads up
to Gatsby’s murder. For example, it shows Buchanan telling Wilson it was Gatsby’s
car, and consequently shows Wilson grab his gun. It may be that that is the
only efficient way to explain the event, but there was something about its
abruptness that sticks with the reader.
Besides that minor thing, the movie was very impressive.
Unlike most movies inspired by novels, it followed the text simply. It created
an accurate version that not only was enjoyable but captured the major themes
of the book. The green light on Daisy’s dock remains a strong motif in the
movie. A symbol of the past that Gatsby everyday wished was in his future.
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