Film Delicacy

THE GREAT GATSBY

   “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” - F.Scott Fitzgerald; The Great Gatsby

Theatrical Poster

Good day fellow Bookworms! This is where I will post a brief movie review, mostly adapted from books. It will be short and serving only as a time lapse before my next post.

I've recently watched the The Great Gatsby and I had my doubts about the movie adaptation since the book was the epitome of untainted, hopeful writing that seems so flawless and heart-wrenching. I was afraid the movie might ruin the whole message about decadence and ideality conveyed by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The next thing I knew, I was a changed person. I was instantly converted into Dicaprio's fandom when he first appeared in the movie.  

When Leonardo DiCaprio made his first appearance as Jay Gatsby

"He smiled understandingly—much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced--or seemed to face--the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey." The Great Gatsby

Leonardo DiCaprio nailed it from the foremost, and crucial introduction of Jay Gatsby. He was able to potray the archetype of a self- made American man. The connection with the other characters, nerve-wrecking moments with Daisy, and when Gatsby lose his temper; Dicaprio had successfully laid it out for the audience. Hence, DiCaprio's performance was the pivotal hold in the whole movie as the titular (Great) Gatsby. 

Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio) with Daisy Buchanan (Mulligan)

Another component I absolutely love about the film is the costumes. The film has managed to capture the roaring 20's fashion style and the iconic flapper dresses with sequin headbands. Catherine Martin has collaborated with Miuccia Prada to create pieces from the Prada and Miu Miu archives by altering the wardrobe into vintage yet flamboyant fashion in the East Coast during the 1920's. The only thing that dampens the movie was actually the production design. The 3D feature was overly done by Baz Lurhmann and rendered the delicate moments in the story with over-bearing theatrical extravagance. 

Left to Right: Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton, Carrey Mulligan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elizabeth Debicki, Tobey Maguire

Lana Del Rey contributes to Great Gatsby Original Soundtrack

So, the 2013 adaptation is noteworthy but perhaps not the best compared to the less-tacky 1974 version. Still, the acting of the ensemble cast deserve standing ovation. And, don't forget the amazing music composition and soundtrack (Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey gave me goosebumps every time I listen to her song- the lyrics and Del Reys's voice was so somber yet sweet). 

Signing off, bookwormsoul