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.

Skyfall Review

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bond's screen debut, the 23rd installment of James Bond- Skyfall- hit the big screens late last month. 

Four years since the last Bond movie Quantum of Solace, the film begins by throwing audiences straight into the action which is so classically Bond; an uproarious chase scene in Istanbul combining car, motorbikeand train whilst featuring Bond’s glamorous colleague Eve (Naomie Harris), revving up the film in a pre credit sequence with a calamitous finale showcasing the new Bond theme tune by Adele.

In the seventh appearance of Dame Judi Dench as M spy chief, you begin to see the real tension between Bond and the boss herself.

Described as an “imperious, subtly oedipal intelligence-matriarch” in other reviews on the internet, Judi Dench plays a Bond girl to end all Bond girls- most would die to look that fabulous at 77!

Daniel Craig on the other hand has a more haggard and older look about him; the grey facial hair does nothing for me!

Although portrayed as tiring and older in earlier parts of the film by the end Daniel Craig is oozing with the same sex appeal hehad in his previous appearances as Bond (thank The Lord!)

The film is mostly set in London, England connoting to the classically British feel about it.From the opening in Istanbul to the final siege setin the Scottish Highlands including an appearance from the Aston Martin DB5 which was first seen in Goldfinger, the film reflects on both the modern andclassic directions taken by previous Bond films that have worked so well.

Enjoyable film covering emotional, humorous and thrill platforms it clearly portrays Bond as a hero who won’t be killed off just yet.