Review: The Great Gatsby

Many adaptations of literary classics rarely live up to the expectations of the book; often obsessed with every period detail whilst neglecting the need to breathe life into the vintage literature. A need that requires the director to convey the scene created by the saturated description within in the book, on screen.

Many other reviews suggest Baz Luhrman's adaptation has gone too far in the opposite direction. I call it a perfect cocktail of period detail and all that is brilliant in modern film making, from CGI zoom ins to vintage flapper dresses and cloche hats.

Luridly blingy with more sparkle than a six year old let loose with a glitter pen, the behemothic parties at Gatsby's (Leonard DiCaprio) fairytale esque castle are by far the most impressive. Thousands of actors fill the set in 1920's glitzy fashions dancing not to classic jazz of the era, but the likes of Jay-Z, Kayne West, Lana Del Ray and Fergie: an aspect I feel builds a bridge between the could-be unaccessible classicly entangled plot and the younger audience.

The film follows would-be writer Nick Carraway's (Tobey Maguire) adventure to New York City in 1922. Loosening morals, glittering jazz and boombing stock markets galore, Nick finds himself neighbour to enigmatic millionaire, Jay Gatsby living across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her aristocratic pedigreed husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton).  Their illusions, loves and deceits all play part to the capturing story line that evokes every feeling in the emotional spectrum.

An enjoyable and impressive adaptation living up to the expectation of a great literary classic covering all platforms, this film will make you laugh and cry whilst experiencing a cardinal urge to dance along to the prestigious and awe- inspiring soundtrack.