The “Roaring Twenties,” the “Golden Twenties,” the “Jazz Age” – it was the era that destroyed normal customs, the age that was anything but innocent. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s words in “The Great Gatsby” tell the scandalous tales of the American 1920s. Now, these tales are told through the mouth of Nick Carraway, played by Tobey Maguire, on the big screen.
“The Great Gatsby” came to theaters on May 10, its trailers promising it to be the hit of the summer. We will overlook that summer doesn’t technically begin until June 21. We will also overlook that the trailers made the film seem like a light and sweet romance, contrary to the novel’s portrayal of the story. Other than those slight issues, however, “The Great Gatsby” was quite enjoyable.
Leonardo DiCaprio brought Jay Gatsby to life in a performance that has incited Oscar buzz. Elizabeth Debicki, a fresh-face in Hollywood, took on the role of golf player, Jordan Baker, and made an amazing introduction into the world of film. Even knowing the outcome of the story, the actors’ portrayals put me on the edge of my seat throughout the climax.
I decided against watching the movie in 3D, however, in hindsight I should have sprung for the plastic glasses because “The Great Gatsby” was made to watch in three dimensions. Moments like high-speed car driving or emotional ups and downs make the movie a visual rollercoaster. The pacing changes throughout the movie as certain scenes seem to play in fast-forward while seconds pass in waiting during other scenes.
The dazzling parties, from the glitz and glamor to the décor and diamonds, made the entire audience want to jump into the screen with the exception of maybe the elderly women behind me who probably remember the twenties and disapproved of the anachronistic musical choices.
The soundtrack included music from Lana Del Ray, Jay-Z, Beyonce and other modern artists that performed renditions of their work to sound as if they fit the period. Some songs, like “Young and Beautiful,” fit in seamlessly; however, others like “Crazy in Love” sounded uncomfortable slowed down.
Above all, I did enjoy the film. This derives partly from my love for the storyline and partly from my choice not to nitpick. The main reasons to watch “The Great Gatsby” are either because you read the book and want to see how Baz Luhrmann transferred the story from paper to film or naturally, Leonardo DiCaprio. The top reasons not to watch “The Great Gatsby” are either because you read the book and will criticize anything that is not in accordance with Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, or for whatever strange reason, you don’t like Leonardo DiCaprio.
Rolling Stone Magazine called “The Great Gatsby” a “crushing disappointment;” but, unlike haughty paid critics, I don’t go to a movie with expectations. If a movie keeps me entertained throughout its running-time, then it is worthy of my money.