Directed by Jack Clayton
Starring Robert Redford, Mia Forrow and Bruce Dern
Written by Francis Ford Coppola
'A Midwesterner becomes fascinated with his nouveau riche neighbor, who obsesses over his lost love.' 'The Great Gatsby' is adapted from one of the best novels ever written. It's nearly impossible to adapt a great novel into a great film and live up to all the expectations but I believe that this film is great on it's own right.
I haven't read the historic novel but I know all the basics like characters, storyline, dilemmas and mystery. I believe that Jack Clayton brought a realistic vision of the 20's. The cars, clothing and sets are very well done and really catch your eye. I'm not surprised that this film won Oscars for best costume design and best music. The difference in social class is described immediately as we see Nick Carraway preparing his dinner with a fried steak, eating on his porch with classical music playing from his record player. Next, we see Gatsby's household with fresh fish arriving at his doorstep with an orchestra preparing on his lawn. As nightfall grows larger, you see guests dancing and laughing their night away with Carraway staring with curiosity and interest. The effects on the tea sets really defined what Gatsby's life really was, extravagant. It was fantastic. Another aspect I enjoyed was the mysterious build up to Jay Gatsby's appearance on screen. Everything that's said about him is all rumors, nothing is ever said with solid fact. At the beginning, you already see an admiration from everyone towards his name even being spoken. As you finally see Gatsby on his property, the camera is at a heavy tilt, giving the character power on the screen and the contrast is dark enough so you can't see his face. It really made me curious and had me asking myself 'Who is this Gatsby?' Great film-making.
I found nothing special about the cast as a whole. I didn't really find continuity with the performances. But there were some great scenes. My personal favorite is how Tom Buchanan, who I found revolting in the film is testing Jay Gatsby's limits and digs deeper within his lies and mysteries. It certainly hit the apex of the film in my opinion with all the information that's given and how the actors react. Another great sequence I admired is with George Wilson. Desperate throughout the film and finally taking matters into his own hands at the end. His best scenes reminded me a lot of Psycho and how I felt watching those disturbing scenes. The actor and the music really come together as the disturbing story goes on.
Overall, The Great Gatsby was fun to watch, as there are some defects along the way. But the story was twisted and the director's efforts are clearly seen as how the story is being told with the camera. I recommend everybody give it a look.
Starring Robert Redford, Mia Forrow and Bruce Dern
Written by Francis Ford Coppola
'A Midwesterner becomes fascinated with his nouveau riche neighbor, who obsesses over his lost love.' 'The Great Gatsby' is adapted from one of the best novels ever written. It's nearly impossible to adapt a great novel into a great film and live up to all the expectations but I believe that this film is great on it's own right.
I haven't read the historic novel but I know all the basics like characters, storyline, dilemmas and mystery. I believe that Jack Clayton brought a realistic vision of the 20's. The cars, clothing and sets are very well done and really catch your eye. I'm not surprised that this film won Oscars for best costume design and best music. The difference in social class is described immediately as we see Nick Carraway preparing his dinner with a fried steak, eating on his porch with classical music playing from his record player. Next, we see Gatsby's household with fresh fish arriving at his doorstep with an orchestra preparing on his lawn. As nightfall grows larger, you see guests dancing and laughing their night away with Carraway staring with curiosity and interest. The effects on the tea sets really defined what Gatsby's life really was, extravagant. It was fantastic. Another aspect I enjoyed was the mysterious build up to Jay Gatsby's appearance on screen. Everything that's said about him is all rumors, nothing is ever said with solid fact. At the beginning, you already see an admiration from everyone towards his name even being spoken. As you finally see Gatsby on his property, the camera is at a heavy tilt, giving the character power on the screen and the contrast is dark enough so you can't see his face. It really made me curious and had me asking myself 'Who is this Gatsby?' Great film-making.
I found nothing special about the cast as a whole. I didn't really find continuity with the performances. But there were some great scenes. My personal favorite is how Tom Buchanan, who I found revolting in the film is testing Jay Gatsby's limits and digs deeper within his lies and mysteries. It certainly hit the apex of the film in my opinion with all the information that's given and how the actors react. Another great sequence I admired is with George Wilson. Desperate throughout the film and finally taking matters into his own hands at the end. His best scenes reminded me a lot of Psycho and how I felt watching those disturbing scenes. The actor and the music really come together as the disturbing story goes on.
Overall, The Great Gatsby was fun to watch, as there are some defects along the way. But the story was twisted and the director's efforts are clearly seen as how the story is being told with the camera. I recommend everybody give it a look.