Just ignore the critics. Go and enjoy the spectacle that is The Great Gatsby. It was a pleasant surprise, after reading some fairly critical reviews.
The costumes were breathtaking. I mean truly breathtaking. Along with the sets. I particularly liked the way they dressed the little house next door to Gatsby's mansion where Nick Carraway lived. Arts and Crafts decor done to perfection. Makes me want to see it again.
The acting was pretty fab too. Leo DiCaprio does have a knack for this, truly. And Tobey Maguire should be recognized for his amazing take on Gatsby's only friend, in the end. Carey Mulligan is being criticized for being too...too...vapid? But that is who Daisy Buchanan is, right? In any case she is just gorgeous to look at and that is what attracts Gatsby anyway. It certainly wasn't her scintillating conversation!
The music was wonderful (Thanks to Jay Z and friends). And although it doesn't have an uplifting ending to the story, I didn't feel depressed coming out of this one like I did with Anna Karenina. Actually it was a pretty exhilarating experience. Much better than reading the book in high school. And now I want to read the book again. That is the best compliment you can give a film adaptation of a novel methinks.
Well, let me know how you like it. There were some twenty somethings dressed in flapper/gangster garb waiting for the next show when I saw it. Fun! And just so you know, both Leo and Tobey really rocked those old black tank style bathing suits. Yup, I am seeing this one again soon.
I really didn't expect to like it either, but I was pleasantly surprised. One of the few movies that made me feel swept off my feet. Here is my review: http://janeheiress.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-great-gatsby.html
ReplyDeleteI expected to like it and I was not disappointed. The costumes were great and the performance of all the actors and actresses was amazing. The soundtrack is one of the best I've ever heard. I liked how music of the '20's was mixed with modern music, bridging the gap between past and present and showing the connection between jazz, and rap and hip hop, which I think were originally inspired by jazz. Jazz was looked down upon and thought loud and obnoxious in the '20's, whereas the same applies to rap now (although I disagree with that). It makes a nice comparison. My favorite songs on the soundtrack were Over the Love, Love is Blindness, and Young and Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Banrion. I loved the music in Gatsby too. Great mix of old and new. I don't know what the "critics" are complaining about!
DeleteI thought it was wonderful. And I also want to read the book again now. My book club will be reading it once the movie comes out on DVD. (We read the book, discuss it, and watch a movie adaptation.)
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa! That's my kind of book club! Thanks for commenting and enjoy the book. I think a lot of us will be reading it this summer!
DeleteLoved it!
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