Read User Reviews and Submit your own for The Great Gatsby (2013)

7

gatsbAug 4, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. fantastical movie, Maguire is the goat. HEY GET THE HELL OUTTAA HERE.… Expand

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9

liamexeJun 6, 2023

Despite going into this movie knowing nothing about the plot, I was immediately engrossed. The parties in this movie are a visual feast for the eyes, and they really take you back to New York in the 1920s. The visuals in this movie are reallyDespite going into this movie knowing nothing about the plot, I was immediately engrossed. The parties in this movie are a visual feast for the eyes, and they really take you back to New York in the 1920s. The visuals in this movie are really wonderful and just contribute so much to the story. Even without mentioning The Great Gatsby, this movie is a big winner when accompanied by the soundtrack. Every scene is transformed by Leonardo DiCaprio's presence, who plays one of the most intriguing characters I have ever seen. If it weren't for the attractive Carey Mulligan, who portrays Daisy Daisy Buchanan, then my eyes might not have been drawn to this film.… Expand

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8

KelvinSelimorApr 16, 2023

The Great Gatsby. Love is dangerous. An insanely beautiful film adaptation of the novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The picture has two parts, this is the beginning, which is very beautifully shot, from which everything is notThe Great Gatsby. Love is dangerous. An insanely beautiful film adaptation of the novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The picture has two parts, this is the beginning, which is very beautifully shot, from which everything is not entirely clear, but you look at it all like a painting on canvas. The second part is already a more mundane movie that tells a certain story. All the actors showed their characters amazingly, forever securing a recognizable shot from the party for Leonardo DiCaprio. Also, the Gatsby character himself is very interesting and mysterious, and only when you begin to guess what kind of person he is, he turns the whole idea upside down.… Expand

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4

Lucariomain05Mar 28, 2023

While it provides an interesting lens and interpretation of the source material, this movie’s changes are unfaithful to it. But the main issue about them is that they serve no purpose to further the movie or enhance the New York City that itWhile it provides an interesting lens and interpretation of the source material, this movie’s changes are unfaithful to it. But the main issue about them is that they serve no purpose to further the movie or enhance the New York City that it portrays. While Leonardo DiCaprio was a no brainer for Gatsby, Tobey Maguire’s casting as Nick was a massive misfire. Maguire was 7 years older than the character he was portraying, and it really shows. And while his narration is good, his line delivery during the actual film is flat and slangy most of the time, which contrasts heavily from his sophisticated narration and sticks out like a sore thumb. Additionally, in the scenes where he doesn’t have much to say, Maguire looks flat and lifeless in the background and doesn’t add much reaction or emotion to the character to fit the situation unless he has something to say. Additionally, a lot of the expository beats about Gatsby’s backstory are skimmed over way too heavily in favor of long and uninspired partying scenes. These scenes contain annoying modern music that just exemplifies this movie’s continuity errors. Also, the over-reliance on CGI also sticks out. Many of the panorama shots have aged poorly, and their compositing leaves a lot to be desired. The scope of these computer generated shots is also limited, as it’s usually reserved for transition shots or the party scenes. Most of the crucial scenes, such as the tea party, Myrtle’s drunken sex party, and the fight between Gatsby and Tom over Daisy are all filmed in claustrophobic settings. Despite all these negatives, there are some good highlights. DiCaprio does a great job portraying Gatsby and so does Joel Edgerton as Tom. These two actors seem to be the only ones who seem genuinely invested and fit in their roles. Everyone else stands out but not in a good way.… Expand

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0

dataleverMar 20, 2023

greatest comedy film ever written, 10/10 acting, mcu would be proud of this

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7

AJ_13Dec 27, 2022

THE GOOD: Outstanding acting, interesting script and characters. Baz Luhrmann's style is unique. THE BAD: I don't understand some of the choices made by Luhrmann, and his style can be really convulsive at times.

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8

eva3si0nNov 2, 2022

The Great Gatsby is a beautiful film and one of the best of Leonardo DiCaprio's career. Of course, the film has a magnificent literary source that gives an interesting dramatic script. The Great Gatsby is one of the best films about the eraThe Great Gatsby is a beautiful film and one of the best of Leonardo DiCaprio's career. Of course, the film has a magnificent literary source that gives an interesting dramatic script. The Great Gatsby is one of the best films about the era of the 20s in the United States, even before the Great Depression. Beautiful bright picture and great cast. Just a fantastic work of dressers, they perfectly conveyed the historical era. In The Great Gatsby, in the center of the plot, the contrast between the old aristocratic society and the new society, which achieved everything in life with its work. And this confrontation between the two societies is reflected in the scenes of parties, in the clothes and behavior of the heroes. Leonardo DiCaprio played one of his best roles. An excellent film that will suit all people, regardless of the return.… Expand

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3

BuisnessworldJul 24, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A boring slow paced romantic drama.. a cringe plot.. acting were okay but VFX was too much!! Carey should be little promising..… Expand

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2

siggi104Jul 8, 2022

One of the worst AAA, narrative driven and the worst Leo DiCap movie I've seen to date.

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0

loveyoufilms999Jun 24, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst film.. Even bollywood romatoc films like Devdas are far better than this cringe film..… Expand

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10

HabibiehakimJun 23, 2022

I mean once you have a fascinating and incredible story like this, a stellar star like DiCaprio, Maguire, Mulligan, and of course not to mention Joel Edgerton and Elizabeth Debicki perform almost as amazing as all first three star above them,I mean once you have a fascinating and incredible story like this, a stellar star like DiCaprio, Maguire, Mulligan, and of course not to mention Joel Edgerton and Elizabeth Debicki perform almost as amazing as all first three star above them, the great Baz Luhrmann's with his great direction and style of filmmaking, the result is as for me expected to be like this incredibly well done, there is nothing i can actually compare like maybe some people who read the novel or watch the 1974 version because i haven't read the novel and seen that version and as the first timer with the story, it is a very clever, heartbreaking, intense and powerful love story that adapted amazingly by Baz Luhrmann's, i wouldn't say The Great Gatsby is a perfect movie but what the movie mostly accomplish is basically covered the little nit picky moments in the film, and still overall The Great Gatsby is still a truly great movie.… Expand

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4

moviestreamer60Jun 20, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its an okay film.. Average adaptation from original novel..An okay screenplay,casting but no uniqueness Leonardo diCaprio's acting is all time great.. But I feel its a typical romance like bollywood films directed by SLB etc.. Most disappointment is Baz gave 10 mins Jewish role to Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) which he doesn't deserve at all.. Overall very cringe , good romaticsm ..an average film for me… Expand

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8

MrPajamasMar 17, 2022

I'm speechless. From beginning to end, it grabbed me and never let go. I really liked the way this film was told. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Nick and Jay and when Daisy was thrown in it was even more interesting. I don't haveI'm speechless. From beginning to end, it grabbed me and never let go. I really liked the way this film was told. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Nick and Jay and when Daisy was thrown in it was even more interesting. I don't have much more to add. I enjoyed it and it was a very successful romantic drama in my eyes. I would also like to highlight the music, which also improved the film in places. For me, a great film that I recommend.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a drama film which, as I've already mentioned, is set in the 1920s. It has romantic elements to it as well and it covers themes including greed and excess.

It was quite a mysterious film from early on, with some impressive visual effects. The film starts off with what appears like a kaleidoscope shape graphic/slowly moving images which the camera zooms in on and which morphs in to something different, which is quite spooky in a sense. It seemed, certainly to me, to be intriguing and possibly a bit bizarre and that definitely helped to pique my interest in it. As the next few scenes started, it appeared more like a traditional film, with characters coming and going and a fair emphasis on dialogue. The furnishings of the various houses featured is both bright and unsurprisingly quite decadent and I enjoyed watching it if only to take in the environments its set in. The film seemed quite immersive to me, with the musical soundtrack/score helping to add to the feeling of certain scenes, for example with upbeat music played during party scenes and so on. I was a bit surprised to hear that quite modern sounding hip hop style music (some pieces by Jay-Z) was played during some scenes, given its set in the 1920s - that didn't quite feel right to me, feeling slightly disingenuous. There is also jazz music featured, which is more suitable for the age its set in, or I'd certainly presume so anyway.

If I had to describe this film in one word only, it would have to be excess, or, if I could describe in three words then it'd be 'depiction of excess'. It is quite slick and rather engrossing, particularly at the start. It didn't overly surprise me to hear that Baz Luhrmann directed this film, as it shares some things in common with his previous films (the vivid lighting, heavy use of music and extravagent characters).

Cast wise, Leonardo DiCaprio played the main/title character, Jay Gatsby. As is usual for DiCaprio's roles, he plays a quite sophisticated, somewhat suave and well regarded man. I never used to like DiCaprio when I was younger, although nowadays I tend to like the films he appears in but from what little I know, I'm not especially keen on the actor himself (I suppose thats not entirely relevant though). He seemed reasonably well cast in this film - I like the fact that Luhrmanns films tend to be good at somehow balancing the mix of looking partly dreamlike and also seeming impressively realistic as well. Its hard to entirely elaborate on that but I feel its the case. The other main character, that of Nick Carraway, is played by Tobey Maguire, who I felt was also well cast, seeming quite unsure and a bit of a fish out of water, while trying to decide what to think of his lavish neighbour (Gatbsy himself, of course). Other cast members include Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan (who very much looks the part as a well off citizen of the time) Isla Fisher as Myrtle Wilson, Joel Edgerton as Tom Buchanan and Jason Clarke as George Wilson.

I liked the fact that during particularly fast paced scenes, such as parties and during car rides and so on, cameras are cut to and fro, with the characters shown from various angles and even some instances of cameras zooming down from above air, as if filmed from a helicopter or some such. I suppose some people may not like this, with it constantly moving about, for some people that might be slightly disorientating or distracting but I felt it kept me feeling intrigued to see what would happen next and it helped prevent scenes from seeming unnecessarily bland or stale.

Content wise, this film features some relatively mild profanities and a couple of racist remarks, some sexual references and content, although no detailed graphic sex scenes as such (partial nudity is shown but nothing especially explicit). Also the film clearly depicts a time when both drinking alcohol in excess and smoking excessively was very much in vogue and it could be argued that this film glamorises it. Time wise, the film is set shortly after the Prohibition era ended, hence most people were taking advantage at their new found ability to buy and consume alcohol and the like. The film carries a 12 rating to reflect this content.

I liked the character development present in this film, with Nick Carraway being quite a likeable character. There's some witty dialogue and I felt it was relatively engrossing and engaging, certainly in the first half of the film. If I were to add any more criticism, I'd say that the pace slows down somewhat and it did feel a bit more bland in the second half of the film and I felt a little distracted from it. Jay Gatsby isn't the most likeable of characters, given that he's quite smug and so on, although his background is intriguing.

Yes I would recommend this film, as I thought it was quite stylish and had a good use of colour, it was relatively immersive and was generally a decent watch.… Expand

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5

BruceiscontentSep 11, 2021

Great cast, wrong director. The constant frenetic pace and CGI infused camera sweeps become exhausting after the first 10 minutes. And the movie is well over 2 hours long. The source material is a classic American novel that pays tribute toGreat cast, wrong director. The constant frenetic pace and CGI infused camera sweeps become exhausting after the first 10 minutes. And the movie is well over 2 hours long. The source material is a classic American novel that pays tribute to the Jazz Age in New York City, so why they felt the need to use modern hip-hop on the soundtrack, I have no idea. Even the otherwise beautiful art direction is compromised by the incessant manner in which the director cuts, sweeps, and abruptly transitions in-between these cracked out sequences. It doesn't feel like a film at times; more like a music video on stimulants.

There are some highlights, though. Sometimes the art stumbles upon a very well put together shot, and the lavishness of the sets comes across in spades. Leo, literally climbing uphill throughout this mess of a film, still manages to deliver a wonderfully nuanced performance as Gatsby; and things pick up considerably whenever he's on screen. If the film around him were better, it'd be an Oscar worthy turn. Unfortunately, it's one of those "Bohemian Rhapsody" type experiences: A wonderful lead performance constantly dragged down by the mediocrity of everything around else it, particularly the director's complete and total lack of restraint. Some magical moments, sure, but a slog to get through.… Expand

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1

bookcrytic123Aug 15, 2021

the entire movie leads up to the last half an hour it is boring and has little plot

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10

stacyshystovskaDec 26, 2020

This romantic drama is based on the well-known novel, 'The Great Gatsby', which was written by F. S. Fitzgerald in 1925. It is the most vivid representation of the Jazz Age novels. The production of the movie started in 2011 and it was shownThis romantic drama is based on the well-known novel, 'The Great Gatsby', which was written by F. S. Fitzgerald in 1925. It is the most vivid representation of the Jazz Age novels. The production of the movie started in 2011 and it was shown on screen in 2013. It is set in 1922 on Long Island and was directed by Baz Luhrmann. Some of his famous works include Moulin Rouge! (2001), Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Australia (2008). Jay Gatsby, played by the brilliant Leonardo DiCaprio, is the best possible fit for this role. Tobey Maguire, who is known for his role in Spider-Man (2002), plays Nick Carraway. Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton were cast to play Daisy and Tom Buchanan.

Nick Carraway tells the story of his mysterious neighbor, Mr. Gatsby, who throws parties, but has never attended any of them. That will soon change.

This is a very beautiful and refined movie, executed in exquisite taste. The beauty of the visuals defies the imagination. The soundtrack, "Young and Beautiful" written by Lana Del Rey and Rick Nowels in 2012, is indeed a bright and notable example of musical art. The screenplay is full of expressive dialogues that help moviegoers better understand the emotional state of the characters.

Written by Anastasiia Shystovska… Expand

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8

bradens584Dec 19, 2020

This movie looks spectacular. Incredibly lavish sets, with intricate detail and hundreds of extras, the Great Gatsby might be the most visually appealing film I’ve ever seen. But most critics aren’t willing to give it much praise above that.This movie looks spectacular. Incredibly lavish sets, with intricate detail and hundreds of extras, the Great Gatsby might be the most visually appealing film I’ve ever seen. But most critics aren’t willing to give it much praise above that. Now, I haven’t read the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel that this is based on, and I will admit the film gets off to a rough start, but honestly, I think this is a really great movie. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire are both brilliant, and it’s really well-written, all topped off with some good cinematography. There’s some pacing issues, but overall this well worth the watch.… Expand

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10

adnan_soysalOct 18, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film will be a classic in time, with its scenes, dialogues, soundtracks.
It's a heart breaking story of AMERICAN DREAM FOR LOVE and LOVE IS BLIND.
It is based on Francis Scott Fitzgerald's novel of the same name. I did not read the novel.

Gatsby was born to a poor rural family in North Dakota.
From childhood he dreams that he is destined to be a great man.
He is very optimistic, and believes if one wants too much of a thing, he should be able to get it.
And means of reaching those goals seem to be not a matter of concern for him.
It looks like Gatsby's frustration with being poor, being in lower end of the society starts with childhood. Just before attending WW I he fells in love with Daisy in a party.
While Gatsby is poor and uneducated, Daisy belongs to high end society. Nevertheless they promise to each other to marry when the War ends. On his return, he finds out that she is married with another rich man, Tom.
Tom studied at Yale, is a polo sport star, and heir to very rich family. He enjoys being member of white high class society.
He believes that there are differences between classes, and races. He is a racist.
He is also cheating on Daisy with Myrtle, wife of poor garage owner George.
Daisy seems to be not in great with love with Tom, neither she minds Tom's cheating on her. She got stuck in this life. But she does not mind as long as she is rich and surrounded by the people of that world.
They are living in a fancy mansion in Long Island next to bay.

Gatsby is obsessed with her love, and he thinks he can get her back, if he is also rich. His childhood obsession of WILL starts moving.
Well somehow, (somehow is illegal ways), he becomes filthy rich.
He buys a château on the other side of the bay across the Daisy's house. Though he is uncomfortable with his lack of education and high class culture, he tries to cover that up with huge open public parties at his château. Among the guests are senator, famous actress. He expects one day Daisy will also attend.
Party scenes at château are display of American capitalism's might. I am not sure if there is any other film that displays joyful, optimistic, extravagant sphere of 1920s economic boomdays.

Gatsby lives in two worlds. One is stressful illegal world, running and keeping up the business, dealing with criminals.
Other one is the one who child like a optimistic, having pure love for Daisy.

Gatsby meets with Daisy with at Nick's small house which is next to his château.
Then their affair starts.
Nick is a distant cousin of Daisy, and friend of Tom from Yale.
He studied literature at Yale, but eventually ended up working in the fancy financial world of New York.
How Nick ended up living in a house next to Gatsby's château is unclear. And this proximity introduces Gatsby to Nick and he asks this Tea Party arrangement with Daisy.

Nick is almost in all the scenes.
He presents this natural objective observer type of fellow having equal distance to everyone, having trust of everyone. Tom, Daisy, Gatsby likes him a lot. He is part of all social occasions.
I think viewer has the same feeling for Nick. Most loved man of the movie.
Tobey Maguire's uninterrupted attraction took the viewer into the movie.

Eventually Gatsby asks Daisy to tell Tom to leave him. Gatsby is confident Daisy loves him and does not love Tom.
But here he is blinded by love. Daisy sees the class difference between Tom and Gatsby.
Gatsby optimism, naivety misses this.

While Gatsby is waiting for a phone call from Daisy to return to him, he gets shot and killed by George, the poor garage owner. George killed Gatsby thinking that his wife is killed in traffic accident by a reckless driver. George thinks driver was Gatsby. He also thinks Gatsby had affair with his wife.
But truth is his wife is killed by Daisy driving Gatsby huge shiny yellow car, Gatsyb was sitting next to her. They ran away after the accident.
While Gatsby is hiding this fact, and ready to be accused of accident, Daisy on the eve of the accident, told Tom she was driving the car and killed Myrtle. Tom and Daisy already made plan to leave New York.
One feels heart broken, and sympathy for Gatsby's naivety belief being rich will be enough to get her back.

At the funeral of Gatsby, no one, including Daisy, shows up, but only Nick.
Because he is portrayed as a murderer and having affair with a married woman.
This is the scene one feels, questions love is also sickness, or a drug.

Nick leaves New York getting sick and tired of all the fake lifes, deception he sees there.
Movie starts with he is narrating from a sanatorium where he gets psychological treatment. His doctor advises him to write the entire story that brought him to sanatorium.
And he does that, and he names his memorise The Great Gatsby. Nick sees Gatsby as the only real one in the ocean of fakeness and deception.… Expand

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0

KadirovMay 17, 2020

Overhyped mediocre film. Actually, mediocre films at least are able to entertain a watcher, this one is just a grandiloquent pacifier like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This movie is most likely a result of director's probable mental illness

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6

loremApr 1, 2020

Not the greatest movie and definitely not the greatest musical choice, but an interesting and engaging movie after all.

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4

ahmedaiman1999Jan 31, 2020

Leo single-handedly made the third act fairly watchable compared to the rest of the film. But, to be honest, if it weren't for the decent performances from all the cast members, this freak of a film would have no redeeming qualities. I'mLeo single-handedly made the third act fairly watchable compared to the rest of the film. But, to be honest, if it weren't for the decent performances from all the cast members, this freak of a film would have no redeeming qualities. I'm glad, though, the film refreshed my memory about the story. Although watching a video summary would have been less pretentious, fake, boring and, definitely, not annoyingly over-stylized.

What a wasted opportunity to adapt one of the greatest novels in american literature for the screen!

(4/10)… Expand

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2

bartcbemJan 25, 2020

I love the original novel and really enjoyed the 1974 Robert Redford adaptation. This... I'm not sure what was this suppose to be other than over budget music video. Very poor one at that.
It almost feels soulless and made purely as a cashI love the original novel and really enjoyed the 1974 Robert Redford adaptation. This... I'm not sure what was this suppose to be other than over budget music video. Very poor one at that.
It almost feels soulless and made purely as a cash grab. The only saving grace in this horrible adaptation is Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby.… Expand

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8

LimitedEditionJul 27, 2019

Mir hat der Film gut gefallen, kann mir aber gut vorstellen, dass er großteils Geschmackssache ist.

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0

W0lf_0f_Snyd3rJul 14, 2019

The ONLY movie I've every walked out on. This was a big heaping pile of trash. I can take a lot of **** movies but this one takes the award of the worst. I didn't even last more than thirty minutes. Sad to see Blockbuster actors like Leo getThe ONLY movie I've every walked out on. This was a big heaping pile of trash. I can take a lot of **** movies but this one takes the award of the worst. I didn't even last more than thirty minutes. Sad to see Blockbuster actors like Leo get parts in such crappy thought out movies.… Expand

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6

TyranianApr 11, 2019

DiCaprio is very good and the film has Luhrmann's usual flair but perhaps required a subtler hand.

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7

GrachechkovskiJan 2, 2019

The beautiful story about love, imagination and aspiration. This film has answer on question: what do you do for your love? But I don't understand one moment - why Nick came to doctor and lived in his house, while he had wrote the novel?

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10

Cateash77Jul 14, 2018

This is a brilliant movie, especially amazing in 3D at the cinema if you ever get the chance. The mediocre reviews baffle me, Fitzgerald would have loved this adaptation I am sure and I'm a huge fan of the book, it was a defining book for meThis is a brilliant movie, especially amazing in 3D at the cinema if you ever get the chance. The mediocre reviews baffle me, Fitzgerald would have loved this adaptation I am sure and I'm a huge fan of the book, it was a defining book for me as a teenager. Beautiful movie and brilliant acting, truly original.… Expand

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7

FilipeNetoFeb 23, 2018

This film adapts the greatest novel of Scott Fitzgerald, which explores the dark past and love affairs of a wealthy American millionaire in the twenties. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, which ensures the screenplay with Craig Pearce, has LeonardoThis film adapts the greatest novel of Scott Fitzgerald, which explores the dark past and love affairs of a wealthy American millionaire in the twenties. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, which ensures the screenplay with Craig Pearce, has Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role.

The film has a good script, faithful to the novel. Unfortunately, the dramatization soften the symbolism of certain elements. The optician signal, for example, is no more than a piece of scenario. Leo DiCaprio was at the height of his role and, although isn't a particularly inspired interpretation, sought to incorporate his character's personality. Tobey Maguire didn't convinced me, his character looks like a jerk, who drooled over the things of his rich neighbor. The sets and costumes are excellent and show eloquently the ostentation of the nouveau-riche and the madness of the twenties. The soundtrack, which ranges from the strong rhythms of Charleston and the deep melancholy of blues, captures the dichotomy of feelings, experiences and personalities of the characters.

This film is interesting in several aspects and, in my opinion, captures the essential of Fitzgerald's book. Of course, some things implicit in the novel were not portrayed in the film, but that's not makes this film a bad adaptation. Nothing replaces the book and, when we go to the movies, we have to understand that first. This is a very reasonable film. It could be better, but isn't bad at all.… Expand

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10

Moore_CalebSep 12, 2017

My favorite movie of all time! This movie is perfectly done with great direction from Baz Luhrmann. This is one of my favorite Leonardo DiCaprio performances of his career. Every line in this movie grasp you and the love between Daisy andMy favorite movie of all time! This movie is perfectly done with great direction from Baz Luhrmann. This is one of my favorite Leonardo DiCaprio performances of his career. Every line in this movie grasp you and the love between Daisy and Gatsby feel so real. I also love Toby Maguire's performance in this movie, easily his best of his career. This movie is a must see and if you have not seen it, watch it!… Expand

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5

batsAug 29, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I never had read the book but because of Dicaprio and Decki's birthday, I thought of giving this movie a try. But to my dismay, there was no character development at all. I mean no matter how hard did Maguire tried to elevate Dicaprio's status, it all remained flat and served no purpose. Even the writers didn't cared for showing Mulligan displaying any regret after DiCaprio's death. Where was the greatness in Gatsby? He could have run an orphanage in
the later half of the movie to show that: a) the movie and the book differ in each other. b) how really the movie ends in a satisfying note and surprise the audience that Gatsby was not materialistic after all.

The only positive part was the soundtrack and DiCaprio's romance in the cruise boat with Mulligan.… Expand

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9

FadeBlackApr 30, 2017

One of the most underrated movies in recent times. Transcendent in almost every scene and every character. Explores some of the deepest desires, aspirations, and fears of the human soul. A spectacle of destiny, ambition, tragedy, longing,One of the most underrated movies in recent times. Transcendent in almost every scene and every character. Explores some of the deepest desires, aspirations, and fears of the human soul. A spectacle of destiny, ambition, tragedy, longing, divided loyalties set in the most epic city of them all, New York. Incredible soundtrack as well.… Expand

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9

AshleySehmannMar 28, 2017

Baz Lurhmann's rendition of The Great Gatsby is absolutely perfect. It was an amazing illustration of a timeless classic romance told with a modern day twist. The music, the effects, and the actors were all carefully picked and perfectlyBaz Lurhmann's rendition of The Great Gatsby is absolutely perfect. It was an amazing illustration of a timeless classic romance told with a modern day twist. The music, the effects, and the actors were all carefully picked and perfectly placed! Normally I am not one for movie remakes of books, but this one outdid any expectation that I had. The book is much more intelligent, dramatically romantic and devastating but the movie was so creative, beautifully simplistic and full of emotion - exactly what I like in a movie!… Expand

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8

TheQuietGamerNov 21, 2016

I feel like this movie is going to have the most value to those who have actually read the book. Not that those unfamiliar with F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece can't enjoy themselves. It's just that part of the movie's appeal isI feel like this movie is going to have the most value to those who have actually read the book. Not that those unfamiliar with F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece can't enjoy themselves. It's just that part of the movie's appeal is seeing the story brought to life with visual exuberance.

It's a gorgeous film. One that's bright, dazzling, and teeming with life. While perhaps a bit to excessive for some, the visuals have a way of bringing the events to life and showing the full, excessive glory of Gatsby's parties. The soundtrack is just as exciting and flashy.

As far as the actual adaption goes, it's pretty faithful. A lot of the dialog is pulled right from the book and the plot does a great job of following the book's core plot elements. Naturally some minor deviations occur in the form of a few liberties taken.

Subplots such as Nick's romantic relationships have been cut as well as a few moments meant to flesh out characters further such as the book's talk of Daisy's daughter have been cut in order to focus on the books main themes and events. There are even a few added subplots including an entirely new one centered around Nick's ultimate fate that plays a key role in how the story is told.

Most of these changes aren't really a big deal at all. The one's that are involve exclusion from the story's conclusion. In order to avoid spoilers, let's just say that significant events that occurred during the book's finale are strangely missing here. A shame given that those moments served as powerful ways in which Fitzgerald fleshed out some of the more potent themes of his book.

Overall though it's still a pretty great adaption, if not entirely faithful. It hits on the most memorable events from the source material and brings them to life onscreen with considerable flash and style. The talented cast each portray their characters in ways that fit the book's depiction of them near-perfectly. Fitzgerald wrote an excellent story with The Great Gatsby. One that has done an incredible job of transcending time. The movie proves to be a great way to experience it. One with a lot of visual treats to excite audiences.… Expand

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0

jedwardsMar 17, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'd like to begin by calling The Great Gatsby one of the greatest novels I have ever read. It is beautifully written, very powerful and deep, and just all round ground.

This is the polar opposite; it is an insult to Fitzgerald, and an insult to cinema. It is awfully directed, contains lousy CGI, has rap and hip hop music as opposed to jazz and just completely misses the mark of the novel. It is a laughable love story as opposed to a tragedy rooted in the idealism and the lack of values of the roaring twenties. Fitzgerald created a deeply personal novel that explored the era, and Luhrman has defecated all over it.… Expand

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10

simonerodriguezMar 13, 2016

**** the critics, **** the negative comments! this one of the BEST movies LEO has EVER done!!! if i could i would watch this movie a thousand times a day! the music, the lights, the scenery everything was so spot on!!! i read the book and i**** the critics, **** the negative comments! this one of the BEST movies LEO has EVER done!!! if i could i would watch this movie a thousand times a day! the music, the lights, the scenery everything was so spot on!!! i read the book and i can say that a movie finally does a book justice… Expand

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5

MrMovieBuffMar 2, 2016

This isn't the first time that F. Scott Fitzgerald's acclaimed book from 1925 was adapted into feature length film. The novel was first adapted in 1926 as a silent film starring Warner Baxter and Lois Wilson, then again in 1949 with Alan LaddThis isn't the first time that F. Scott Fitzgerald's acclaimed book from 1925 was adapted into feature length film. The novel was first adapted in 1926 as a silent film starring Warner Baxter and Lois Wilson, then again in 1949 with Alan Ladd and Betty Field in the lead roles. Then, once again in 1974 starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. But this one, in 2013 had something to deliver...it had Baz Luhrmann in the director's chair, the famous director best known for his more modern take on "Romeo and Juliet" in 1996, and he directed the elaborate and eccentric musical that is 'Moulin Rouge' (2001).

Not only that, but it had the iconic Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role, from 'Romeo + Juliet' (1996) and 'Titanic' (1997), you'd think this is a match made in heaven. We could get a true adaptation of the widely acclaimed novel after all.

Not quite here. Baz Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby' is a visually lush and sweeping experience of a movie, one could get lost in all those colorful fireworks, and slow-motion water fountains. Alas, an experience to behold if you're looking for a romantic movie to watch with your date.

But behind all those great colors and eccentric parties lies almost nothing...this movie is lacking something very important and that is some further character development. The movie is told mostly in flashback as we meet a man named Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) who tells the story of when he met the iconic and eccentric, yet mysterious Jay Gatsby.

He met him at a party, it turns out the two only live next door to each other, but Gatsby wants Carraway to do him a favor. Carraway is the solution to getting Gatsby closer to his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) who appears to be married to another wealthy man named Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). It seems that Gatsby and Daisy were once in love before, but he went away to war, and has been absent for five years leaving Daisy to wonder where he was, and ultimately lost hope.

She still has feelings for Gatsby, and he never gave up as he always hosted eccentric parties hoping that she would just turn up eventually...but nothing worked until Gatsby met Nick.

We don't meet DiCaprio as the title character for some 20 - 25 minutes of the film, this was an effective technique as it shows that this man, "The Great Jay Gastby" was a mystery... endless stories about him have been told countless times, and nobody else had met him... he was almost like a myth, a man with so much wealth, and so much life...it seemed too good to be true.

It goes without saying that Baz Luhrmann is the right directing choice for this story, he had the right visual look for this movie and it fits well to accommodate the story. But the story is lacking so much substance, so much so, I couldn't find myself caring for the characters enough, and instead I marvel at the visuals, the parties, the gathering of so many people, and the popping and fizzing of the champagne as they poured into those clear, shiny flute glasses.

I admired this movie, as it did have some emotional heft put into it, but I just couldn't love it. It's almost as if I was trying so hard to get invested and trying to love this movie, that this movie just pushes me further and further away...

The acting is also inspired, DiCaprio is the right man to be playing such an iconic, wealthy and heart-throbbing role like he has done in the past. But Carey Mulligan, a fine actress that she is, is almost too petite as Daisy...and sometimes bland. I ask myself, why is Gatsby so interested and so in love with Daisy, when she seems to blend in with the rest of the crowd? To me, she didn't stand out.

It isn't a failed effort, it's a rather remarkable one...the visuals were a gimmick for the sake of the 3D release which is unusual for a romantic drama genre. Your eyes will be in awe...but not your brain.… Expand

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3

AmeliaCraveFeb 28, 2016

I was disappointed with the character roles in this movie. Luhrmann makes it seem like the men work to make money to support the women, and the women are happy to be the men's arm candy. The female characters are predominately dominated byI was disappointed with the character roles in this movie. Luhrmann makes it seem like the men work to make money to support the women, and the women are happy to be the men's arm candy. The female characters are predominately dominated by the male characters and both sides seem to be content with their roles. This was pathetic in my opinion.… Expand

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10

mc_rynFeb 21, 2016

Movie critics are useless.............................................................................................................................................

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6

Patrick94Feb 20, 2016

Not that great if you ask me. The final 20-30 minutes make up for the rest of the movie though. Which comprises of 1 and a half hours of over the top scenes that have zero substance and left me bored out of my mind.

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10

HeidiKJan 25, 2016

Marvelous performances, style, costumes, mindblowing soundtrack. 100 out of 100! The best "Gatsby", in my opinion. Loved every minute of it. Leonardo DiCaprio is phenomenal.

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9

UbervaagDec 26, 2015

Stunning movie. The music, vivid colors, amazing scenery, all combined
in such a beautiful fashion. The movie perfectly fit Gatsby's dream, it
felt so euphoric and dreamy, but at the same time so sensible and real. An entertaining movieStunning movie. The music, vivid colors, amazing scenery, all combined
in such a beautiful fashion. The movie perfectly fit Gatsby's dream, it
felt so euphoric and dreamy, but at the same time so sensible and real.
An entertaining movie I'll definitely consider to re-watch when high.… Expand

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10

Jonte_V19Oct 31, 2015

This is one of the greatest movie of the 21 st century. The acting, the filming and the story, it's all there and it's perfectly done in every way possible. As always Leo is just amazing but it's really Tobey Maguire's part in the movieThis is one of the greatest movie of the 21 st century. The acting, the filming and the story, it's all there and it's perfectly done in every way possible. As always Leo is just amazing but it's really Tobey Maguire's part in the movie whitch is outstanding. Ten out of ten all the way.… Expand

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9

IntelliCriticOct 20, 2015

"Will you still love me, when I'm no longer young..." are the words to the chorus of The Great Gatsby's theme song. That fact of the matter is that I will absolutely still love this film when its no longer young. Sure, some may criticize its"Will you still love me, when I'm no longer young..." are the words to the chorus of The Great Gatsby's theme song. That fact of the matter is that I will absolutely still love this film when its no longer young. Sure, some may criticize its lack of subtlety and tender pace that were characteristic of The Great Gatsby novel, but few can deny this film's masterful portrayal of key characters and the orgastic yet sickly vibe of the so-called "Roaring Twenties." Heart-shattering the plot, amazing the visuals, and skilled are the cast in this ambitious interpretation of Fitzgerald's book. Make sure to read the book before seeing The Great Gatsby, as it does speed by some important ideas at the pace of a motion picture.… Expand

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8

grandpajoe6191Aug 25, 2015

Despite lacking depth in some parts, "The Great Gatsby" is a excellent piece of artwork that not only stays true and faithful to its original source, but also mixes the creative genius thawed out from the illustrious mind of Baz Luhrmann.

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5

MovieGuysAug 22, 2015

I've never been a fan of Baz Luhrmann's filmography, and his new Gatsby project is no exception. This is an amazing book, but his adaptation to the screen employs rap music and modern references here and there that do not fit the story atI've never been a fan of Baz Luhrmann's filmography, and his new Gatsby project is no exception. This is an amazing book, but his adaptation to the screen employs rap music and modern references here and there that do not fit the story at all. Now, I'm not a cinema purist when it comes to adding modern hints in period pieces, but the way Luhrmann does it is too obvious to benefit from subtlety. Also, Carey Mulligan and Isla Fisher should've switched their respective roles as Daisy and Myrtle: the casting choices there were not great. Each woman would've played the other character better, and the movie would've benefitted greatly. As for DiCaprio and Maguire, they played their characters on par with Fitzgerald's writing, and added some character nuances that only great actors can pull off, so bravo to them. If you're a fan of the story, it might be worthwhile to check out the movie, but don't set high expectations.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

lukechristianscAug 2, 2015

Another adaptation of Fitzgerald's pièce de résistance novel also the second film adaptation of 1974 film. I haven't read the novel, but what I've heard about this is this movie is that it stays true to the novel, which fans of the novel willAnother adaptation of Fitzgerald's pièce de résistance novel also the second film adaptation of 1974 film. I haven't read the novel, but what I've heard about this is this movie is that it stays true to the novel, which fans of the novel will love about this movie but what people are worried about is director Baz Luhrmann distracting the viewers with too much eye candy and not making it more realistic also you don't buy the fact it's the 20's it has a terrible pop culture style if the movie didn't to much Jay Z music it could be more realistic. The cast is selling it, we actually get to know these characters and do a good job. Luhrmann does screw up the realism but it's a fun ravishing movie with great clothing design and intoxicating breathless party scenes and brainy dialogue. Screenwriter Craig Pearce and Baz Luhrmann (whom Luhrmann wrote the script) do a pretty astonishing job writing 20's brainy dialogue and a having dreamlike quality to the film. DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan have some okay "Romeo and Juliet" chemistry also Tobey Maguire was great too as the narrorator also a loyal friend to Gastby. A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor. Grade A… Expand

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5

TrilobiteGJul 4, 2015

Disappointing for Di Caprio as he is such a talented actor. I will begin by saying this film is very well shot and well lit, the party scenes were kind of interesting as well as a organised and 'modern infused' soundtrack. However, there wereDisappointing for Di Caprio as he is such a talented actor. I will begin by saying this film is very well shot and well lit, the party scenes were kind of interesting as well as a organised and 'modern infused' soundtrack. However, there were many negatives that I have to discuss. Daisy, was the worst kind of person, I won't spoil the ending but I must say that it ruined the entire film for me. This is so much fuss over one girl..I know the whole aspect over 'Daisy wants her daughter to be a fool because she needs a man' but it clings to it like flies to honey. The highlight of this 2 hour drive around New York with some complaining was Toby Maguire. The entire film he was a third wheel to all the **** going on and almost seemed to be the one thinking 'uh....are you serious?'. A very disappointing movie for me.… Expand

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8

wornoutspinesJul 1, 2015

The simplicity behind the story is almost laughable, it’s been done, and it’s déjà-vu but The Great Gatsby plays its cards right. It’s starts with the execution, the directing, the photography and the acting is impressive. You can see BazThe simplicity behind the story is almost laughable, it’s been done, and it’s déjà-vu but The Great Gatsby plays its cards right. It’s starts with the execution, the directing, the photography and the acting is impressive. You can see Baz Luhrmann’s stamp throughout the film, it’s colorful, loud, and a bit in your face but it works because it fits Nick (Tobey Maguire)’s point of view. Nick’s the one telling the story, so the excess, the sensory overload, the overwhelming aspect of the fast life of the roaring 20s New York is exactly how a guy like Nick would experience it.

The director knows music and how to use it, and did an interesting job with it. The music of the past and the present are intertwined and it works. The familiarity of the present song are there but the 1920s beats takes you back and deeper into that lavish world.

The film is in its core a human story, with romance, drama, and a hint of mystery. The direction captures the themes and morals of the story really well but the actors’ performances bring it home. Tobey Maguire’s voice over and performance is nuanced, he’s an observer and a participant at the same time in the film. Leonardo DiCaprio is at the peak of his powers, in full command of his acting abilities, he’s brilliant in this film. Joel Edgerton, Elizabeth Debicki, and Isla Fisher should be mentioned because they were very good. Carey Mulligan is the one I wasn’t completely sold on the first time around - she looked too young - but watching it again I get it and understand how she could have been cast in this film.

The Great Gatsby is entertaining and quite captivating, Baz Luhrmann knows how to shoot grand epic love stories.

Written by @wornoutspines… Expand

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7

AaronDWassermanJun 26, 2015

A pretty solid adaption of the classic book. Dicaprio and Maguire give their all with this film and totally capture the characters right off the page. There are alot of problems with the editing and script however.

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3

MirandaMckinnonMay 13, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dear F. Scott Fitzgerald,
I sincerely apologize for the cruel and tasteless adaptation of The Great Gatsby Baz Luhrmann created. Mr. Luhrmann butchered this masterpiece into something your mother wouldnt be proud to put on the refrigerator. It all begins with the opening scene and only goes down from there.
Nick Carraway the only pure-hearted gentlemen in the entire book, our narrator, is seamlessly turned into a fraction of himself in the movie. He is created to be a man so torn up by the events he has encountered that the only way to cure him is to seek medical help. Spoiler alert the last line in the book “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” is literally (well more figuratively) Nick Carraway telling us we must continue to move on with our lives! And if you think it can’t get any worse you are sadly mistaken.
As for the graphics and CGI they were so dreadfully awful that I was confused to if I was watching a movie about the 1920’s or a Jay-Z music video. The ridiculously cheesy slow motion moments (when myrtle is falling to her death and when we meet Gatsby for the first time) do nothing for helping the movies case as well. Mr. Luhrmann PIMPED out everything that he possibly could; from the girls to the cars everything was more than modern. Mr. Luhrmann took his fantasy of living the modern american dream and projectiled (not projected) it onto this classic. When the parties at Gatsby’s occur they are nothing but costume parties for people of this time and age. The houses in the movie are so incredibly ostentatious as well that they display the entire facade of the movie. They are so graphically enhanced this movie looks nothing like an actual motion picture but something of a cartoon. But at least the setting matches the characters.
The most heartbreaking part of the entire movie is that the characters -mostly female- are portrayed all wrong. Daisy is played to be weak and helpless and enough though at times she is, she is also an arrogant women caring more about her money and status than the people around her. Myrtle is a stickley women designed to be the perfect mistress, an equal to Daisy, but in the book she is a curvy women and nothing in the slightest bit Daisy. But I must admit there were some parts of the movie that weren’t as hard to swallow.
It is admirable that Mr. Luhrmann put the old college effort into creating a movie based on such a classic american novel. It was a good attempt using quotes from the book to help the audience members who have yet to read The Great Gatsby. But sadly the quotes were twisted and bent to match the vision Baz Luhrmann had in mind.
My suggestion stick to the book.
If you’re looking for a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio lying about his money and throwing big parties try The Wolf of Wall Street it’s much less cliche.… Expand

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9

Shift857May 9, 2015

Great movie. I didn't like the book very much, but the movie was very good. Dicaprio plays Gatsby perfectly. He acts bad acting. If he seems like he's not the right person for the role, thats good. Gatsby is described in the book as soundingGreat movie. I didn't like the book very much, but the movie was very good. Dicaprio plays Gatsby perfectly. He acts bad acting. If he seems like he's not the right person for the role, thats good. Gatsby is described in the book as sounding almost as if he is going out of the way to sound and appear to be "old money". All roles were cast perfectly. Very few negatives to this movie.… Expand

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7

FilmVirtueMar 28, 2015

It is a more faithful film than the previous remake of The Great Gatsby and thus is more watchable, but this version is seem more interested in it's special effects rather than a full focused story.

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5

homer4presidentMar 26, 2015

The drama is tense and the romance is believable, but die to Luhmann's chaotic direction, the heart of the material gets lost along the way. At the end of the day, The Great Gatsby, is far from a masterpiece in many aspects, but at least it'sThe drama is tense and the romance is believable, but die to Luhmann's chaotic direction, the heart of the material gets lost along the way. At the end of the day, The Great Gatsby, is far from a masterpiece in many aspects, but at least it's a faithful tribute to the novel its based upon, which I supposed is all a big Gatsby fan can as for at this point.… Expand

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2

B1gboyMar 3, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is just awful! it just awful and awful movies don't need to be in here because it just awful you feel me? so yes I would agree that this movie is for the next gen but it awful.… Expand

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9

jlhg11Jan 29, 2015

One of those few movies that gives its book incredible life (not saying it necessarily reflects the book).
Great soundtrack. Leo does wonderful.
Spiderman is definitely not my favorite actor by an stretch but he fits in great.

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8

DCEdmondsNov 13, 2014

"The Great Gatsby" 10 Scale Rating: 7.5 (Very Good) ...

The Good: Extremely well acted with brilliant performances everywhere. Even Carey Mulligan (who I typically dislike) did an amazing job. You've come to expect it, but DiCaprio brought"The Great Gatsby" 10 Scale Rating: 7.5 (Very Good) ...

The Good: Extremely well acted with brilliant performances everywhere. Even Carey Mulligan (who I typically dislike) did an amazing job. You've come to expect it, but DiCaprio brought his A game. I think the most shocking to me was Tobey Maguire, who I usually find to be average on his best days. He did a great job too. Some people disliked the tone and felt that it strayed from the book, but I thought the tone was perfectly fine.

The Bad: The modern rap/dance/R&B soundtrack was distracting and very out of place. A few party scenes were too long and at times I got tired of watching slow-mo dance and debauchery set to Jay Z.… Expand

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7

xolveNov 12, 2014

First half impressions:
Buhrman applies the same meandering, gen-next pandering schizophrenic approach to ruining a classic as he did to Shakespeare, by way of "modernising it" ie. destroying the intent, feel and meaning of the originalFirst half impressions:
Buhrman applies the same meandering, gen-next pandering schizophrenic approach to ruining a classic as he did to Shakespeare, by way of "modernising it" ie. destroying the intent, feel and meaning of the original work.
At least the orchestral soundtrack is nicely worked.
I would've preferred to see something with the same production values but retaining the pace and intelligence of the book. Sadly, nothing is available in film form. This is the best we can get. Unfortunate, sad, and a devastating commentary on the expected intelligence of the movie-going populace in this day and age. Making the visuals match the style of the times while altering the musical and video-editing epoch to such a high degree gave a jaded, undereducated feeling to the entire ensemble. The acting is good, toby mcguire does his thing, leonardo dicaprio does his thing, but in Burhman's films, actors are little more than props in a visual story, his effervescent sherbet fizz version of a film.

Second half impressions:
By the second half Buhrman slows the pace down and it approaches being a normal, contemporary film and a good depiction of the novel. It is unfortunate that he felt the need to hook the audience in with what they expected of him from previous films in the first half. It shows a lack of faith in the audience. More space is given to the actors to actually act in the second half, and the editing slows down long enough to show actual story rather than filigree. The music becomes more appropriate while remaining touches of contemporary work remain. I'm glad he actually managed to show some emotion in this half of the film. The characters develop some depth and become human. I'm happy I watched this half with exception to the two moments of stylised violence that felt emotionally out-of-place with the resonance of the portrayed situation.… Expand

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8

vikesh2206Nov 9, 2014

A surprising emotional scope blended with good cinematography, a great soundtrack and very stylish direction gives Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby a grand overall feel.

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9

MarickOct 26, 2014

Let me to say first. I have not seen the original film. (I mean the one in 1974). For me this film is one of the best films seen. Leonardo DiCaprio other actors, playing in a very pleasant way. Music is also very good, even impressed me.

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4

ArchonMagazineSep 20, 2014

A magnificent and beautiful film to watch, The Great Gatsby captures the opulence but little else.

I purposely did not reread the book prior to watching the movie, having last read it some ten years ago, wanting to give Baz Luhrmann asA magnificent and beautiful film to watch, The Great Gatsby captures the opulence but little else.

I purposely did not reread the book prior to watching the movie, having last read it some ten years ago, wanting to give Baz Luhrmann as much leniency toward a successful interpretation as possible. Even still, I recalled dialogue and characters torn from the book and it sounded wrong. The storyline is simplified into a doomed and tragic love story when it is, in fact, more complex. I recall traveling with Nick Carraway to the parties, at first drunk by the wealth and extravagance. But, then, like Nick, disillusioned as the characters’ true faults become clearer as you are able to see past their lavish lifestyles, all the while feeling like an outsider due to the social divide. This growth is virtually nonexistent in the Baz Luhrmann invention.

Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, captured the vulnerability and desperate desire for love without becoming some feeble caricature. Though I recall disliking Daisy because she was indecisive, self-absorbed and therefore almost seemed manipulatively aware of the trouble she centers. Mulligan is the only one who produces a fully thought out character; all other characters from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel are shells. Joel Edgerton’s Tom Buchanan is an arrogant brute throwing his stature and prestige around, but there is little else. Tobey Maguire does a good job as a narrator but his Nick Carraway is half-formed; pliable and weak instead of easy-going and optimistic though slightly naïve. Jay Gatsby and Leonardo DiCaprio are mystifying, but not the ruthless man, startlingly, unwaveringly obsessive toward attaining what he wishes.

The sets and costumes are engrossing, intoxicating and wonderfully garish. The music is fun and modern yielding a transportive film. It is a great story, great film, but not the one F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote.

More reviews can be found at our website.… Expand

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8

RanSBuzzSep 13, 2014

"The Great Gatsby" is just another movie that proves Leonardo DeCaprio deserves an Oscar. Sure the movie was even more complicated than i expected, which made me feel less and less a fan of the movie, but the only thing that was 100% positive"The Great Gatsby" is just another movie that proves Leonardo DeCaprio deserves an Oscar. Sure the movie was even more complicated than i expected, which made me feel less and less a fan of the movie, but the only thing that was 100% positive was Leonardo Decaprio's acting. Amazing.… Expand

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6

beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014

The critics truly were too harsh with this gem--it is always difficult to adapt such a beautiful novel as this, but Baz Luhrmann has created such a stunning interpretation.

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9

NathonasAug 10, 2014

I finally decided to see this film, despite its low ratings. I was pleasantly surprised and can now safely say that I understand why the novel is such a central piece of American literature.

As for the film, the acting is top notch, andI finally decided to see this film, despite its low ratings. I was pleasantly surprised and can now safely say that I understand why the novel is such a central piece of American literature.

As for the film, the acting is top notch, and the only thing I really disliked is the modern music. Outside of that, I thought it was a very profound story with some great messages and a fascinating central character.… Expand

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2

ThomasSmithsonAug 4, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Film is such a gift by science and a chance to take the flat page and make it truly alive in sight and sound and mood, this movie reminds me as a child of my wonderment in seeing my first pop up picture book, and after a fleeting wonderment, just wanting to rip the image out to see if it does anything else.

Daisy is not worth Jay's efforts and pain - a failure in casting, portrayal, she's a non entity, she's not aloof, she's not animated, nor desirable in any way, we don't need to care about Daisy, but we need to see why Jay does love her, not a hint of why.

Leonardo offers the only window into his love for Daisy, the fear in his face when he stands at the open door drenched by the rain.

Nick, supposed to drive the story for us, and make us see inside Jay's soul....Tobey Maguire another epic miscast, the character of Nick needs to have a voice, and make us care and feel a loss when Jay dies, make us feel sad when no one attends his funeral, I just kept worrying about the autumn leaves getting in the pool and hoping someone would drain it before winter.

When someone has already done the hard work of writing a story for you....there is no excuse for screwing it up.

A fantastic failure at best… Expand

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5

FranzHcriticJul 27, 2014

Glossy to where it's nauseating. A music track missing the era by at least eight decades. And bland performances from all with the exception of Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire. It dragged on for at least thirty minutes. And the script isGlossy to where it's nauseating. A music track missing the era by at least eight decades. And bland performances from all with the exception of Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire. It dragged on for at least thirty minutes. And the script is just as bland as the actors' acting. And too much color. Baz Luhrmann, you have s**t for talent.… Expand

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6

TisonJul 7, 2014

As I seen The Great Gatsby movie at my school, I find it pretty good. Though the only problem with this movie is the music. You see, the music wasn't fit in right. It was too modern. Especially with Jay-Z as the music producer. If he weren'tAs I seen The Great Gatsby movie at my school, I find it pretty good. Though the only problem with this movie is the music. You see, the music wasn't fit in right. It was too modern. Especially with Jay-Z as the music producer. If he weren't producing rap music much, I would loved the movie even more. So go check it out if you hadn't seen it. It's a pretty good movie.… Expand

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4

Apartment64Jul 5, 2014

I believe modernizing "The Great Gatsby" was a huge mistake, because precise period detail plays a very important role in Gatsby's story. Using modern hip-hop and R&B songs obviously won't give you a glimpse of the roaring 20s. Casting TobeyI believe modernizing "The Great Gatsby" was a huge mistake, because precise period detail plays a very important role in Gatsby's story. Using modern hip-hop and R&B songs obviously won't give you a glimpse of the roaring 20s. Casting Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway seems wrong as well; his character is supposed to be the one any viewer could identify with, (Because in the book he is the POV character) but "Peter Parker" obviously does not have the skills to do that.

All in all with less whining - The quality of "The Great Gatsby" is mixed to negative.… Expand

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8

B-RAXJun 30, 2014

I’ll have this soundtrack going though my head for the next couple of weeks. The Great Gatsby takes place in a futuristic feeling twenties which gives the movie a very entertaining yet confusing setting. The movie follows an average New YorkI’ll have this soundtrack going though my head for the next couple of weeks. The Great Gatsby takes place in a futuristic feeling twenties which gives the movie a very entertaining yet confusing setting. The movie follows an average New York Wall Street broker who takes an interest in his mysterious neighbor, Mr. Gatsby. It’s hard to say what this movie is really about without giving away too much. For a movie based on a critically acclaimed novel written in the the mid-twenties, it sure has a modern feel to it. This aspect of the film bugged me at first, but I quickly got used to it, falling into the surreal fantasy of Gatsby's world. I found this movie very entertaining and fun, all while being clever. The film had a very exaggerated feel to it, like a play on broadway. At first it was distracting but the style grew on me as the movie progressed. So I have to say acting was pretty good, Leonardo DiCaprio knocked it out of the park as usual with a great performance. On more of the downside the film lacked a sense of reality and pushed characters past the point of being believable. I felt it didn't really try to be anything it wasn't, and seemed to be pretty self-aware. The movie looked and sounded great. I recommend it for a different kind of movie watching experience.… Expand

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9

DanRichJun 13, 2014

The Great Gatsby looks to be very simple, but it actually hides a very complex story that is more than a romantic, high society, what ever story. charismatic Jay Gatsby uses all of New York to weave his shell game. It is so well written thatThe Great Gatsby looks to be very simple, but it actually hides a very complex story that is more than a romantic, high society, what ever story. charismatic Jay Gatsby uses all of New York to weave his shell game. It is so well written that when reading a lot of reviews, professional and not, so many do not see the forest through the trees. What Mr. Fitzgerald has done is woven multiple stories into one character, and made it look easy. The movie was well done on all aspects… Expand

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8

TEMMay 29, 2014

The cast is excellent and it all looks perfect. I suggest reading the book first as it makes the movie better. I like Jay Z so I have no problem with the music selections. Overall, a good movie but Fitzgerald's story ultimately drags theThe cast is excellent and it all looks perfect. I suggest reading the book first as it makes the movie better. I like Jay Z so I have no problem with the music selections. Overall, a good movie but Fitzgerald's story ultimately drags the movie down a little.… Expand

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9

tania9torresApr 3, 2014

This is a story that lots of us have heard of. I personally enjoy this movie more than the old one. The main thing I like is that the creator could link the times when the Gatsby is from and nowadays. The costumes and decorations were fromThis is a story that lots of us have heard of. I personally enjoy this movie more than the old one. The main thing I like is that the creator could link the times when the Gatsby is from and nowadays. The costumes and decorations were from 'there, but the music was from our time. Some of the music were following the style ofjazz and some were just like dubstep, which helped to notice tge difference between two worlds. However, behind that, I felt like I am there with Gatsby and other characters, feeling everything they feel. Good new production, but I reccomend to read the book before watching.… Expand

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7

EdgarMar 22, 2014

I enjoyed this movie. The sets are fantastic, although the juxtaposition of modern music with a 1920's setting is not a good choice. I would expect this in a Broadway musical, but to see 1920's characters dancing to Jay-Z is just distractingI enjoyed this movie. The sets are fantastic, although the juxtaposition of modern music with a 1920's setting is not a good choice. I would expect this in a Broadway musical, but to see 1920's characters dancing to Jay-Z is just distracting in this film. They could just as easily have replaced the phones in the film with the latest IPhones, it would have had the same effect.. The music unnecessarily breaks the fourth wall even though the characters do not. The film is otherwise great.… Expand

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9

oblique15Mar 19, 2014

I liked this much more than I thought I would. The Great Gatsby takes you to another world.It has a magical feeling.I never read the book and enjoyed it.

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7

stakoMar 16, 2014

I was interested why Leo didn't get an Oscar, so I went to watch this movie. In short - now I know why.
This movie follows the book plot pretty closely, and just to get it out of the way right now - the book is much more fun. It's veryI was interested why Leo didn't get an Oscar, so I went to watch this movie. In short - now I know why.
This movie follows the book plot pretty closely, and just to get it out of the way right now - the book is much more fun. It's very nicely writted and I do recommend it. Especially over the movie.
Some of the reviewers say the actors are a perfect cast - I dissagree. I believe that the women cast in this movie are perfect casts, however every man that isn't Joel Edgerton was a terrible choice. I felt Joel Edgerton had the greatest idea of what his character could be with his own capabilities, if that makes any sense to you. However DiCaprio was the worst choice for Gatsby in this movie, not because Gatsby isn't his type of role - on the contrary, it is, but director Baz Luhrmann was going in a very different direction.
I blame Baz Luhrmann for the fall of this movie. At times the movie does look amazing with loads of atmosphere that I couldn't help but be inspired of. Anything that wasn't 3D or character-related, Baz Luhrmann did direct nicely. However in my opinion he regarded the audience as a bunch of retards and that is why the cast fails. Let me elaborate: he wanted to hint some things at the beggining of the movie, but he does it quite poorly and it looks stupid, and then after the secret is out he continues to hint at it and it becomes a hinderance the characters can't carry. Wow, that's spoiler free for you.
Also the movie has some really weird 3D sequences that don't really fit, they are very cheaply done and look very outdated, like a lot of things in this movie. But while some things are outdated, others - like the music, tends to go into a 80s Dubstep rage and it really doesn't fit.
I must quote Jeremy Jahns on this and say that this movie is loud and overexposed to the point of headache. I really felt overburdened by this movie and I enjoyed only a few scenes. After watching it it felt like my head is going to explode, and on the next day - I'd forgotten I had watched this movie.
In conclusion to the review - this is an overhyped OK movie that is hindered by it's direction. In conclusion to my research: This is why Leo didn't get and Oscar and for good reason. Though I'm sorry for him, he did cap himself out a bit this year.
I do recommend this movie if you have nothing better to do, it is consuming and fun to watch. Just don't have any expectations... Ol' Spo't… Expand

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1

NikolayGMar 7, 2014

This film adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, is about a man in the 1920s trying to win back the woman he loves. This version is a cartoon with real life actors - everything super brightly colored and sporting moreThis film adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, is about a man in the 1920s trying to win back the woman he loves. This version is a cartoon with real life actors - everything super brightly colored and sporting more special effects than a Star Wars movie, much of it very fake looking. Gatsby's home when shot from the exterior is so obviously computer generated it's shocking. There's plenty of blue screen (or green screen these days) that is about as obvious as can be, with the lighting on the actor standing in front of the green screen not matching the lighting in the scene projected behind him on the green screen. It might as well be a Godzilla movie from the 60s at those moments. You might wonder why they felt the need for so many effects. The camera whizzes around Long Island over and under elevated tracks in Manhattan, almost all of which (both Manhattan and Long Island) appear computer generated, so much like a computer game I felt like readying my controller to start controlling the main character. It's a miracle that amidst all this crazy visual jazz, that the story's basic outline (because that is all there is here; just a skeleton of the plot) doesn't get lost. That was a feat and for that I give it 1 star out of 10.

The movie does calm down in that last half hour and become closer to something normal visually, but by then I was tired of watching. Add to this the bizarre use of hip hop and other music not of the period (Jay-Z and Beyonce; that's Jay Z's ego ruining the movie, as he's a producer of this catastrophe) and you get the impression that this was made by an extremely insecure story teller who had no faith in his audience or in his abilities to capture their attention simply by telling story. Maybe he didn't have faith in his actors. Whatever the cause, the director or whoever called the shots, decided that rendering the story well wasn't enough without overstuffing the production with candy colored effects and noise ad nauseam. The result is that, instead of being drawn into the story, you are constantly pushed out by the weird over-the-top distractions. It's like watching a Shakespeare play while someone constantly lights of fireworks in front of the production. What an ordeal! You think it's innocent enough - just spending a couple hours watching a movie - but by the time it's over you feel like you've been in some kind of two hour accident or a small war. You feel damaged. I recommend instead the novel, which is quite beautifully written.… Expand

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6

KayakMar 3, 2014

Luhrmann's attempt to modernise the story does come across overall as rather stilted. I can see how the purists would be annoyed at the lack of subtlety and how certain themes and characters are portrayed. As a cinematic piece however, theLuhrmann's attempt to modernise the story does come across overall as rather stilted. I can see how the purists would be annoyed at the lack of subtlety and how certain themes and characters are portrayed. As a cinematic piece however, the visuals, with some great editing in scenes, and certain performances hold this film together.… Expand

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7

TokyochuchuFeb 16, 2014

The Great Gatsby is my favorite novel of all time and I am keenly aware that it is super difficult to translate into film. That said, if you can make it past the garish "I'm Bazz Lurhmann!" horror of the first 30 minutes, the director finallyThe Great Gatsby is my favorite novel of all time and I am keenly aware that it is super difficult to translate into film. That said, if you can make it past the garish "I'm Bazz Lurhmann!" horror of the first 30 minutes, the director finally lets his actors breathe and the classic scenes come raining down with suitable emotion. It's not a home-run for sure, but this version of The Great Gatsby is at least a good try.… Expand

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10

anmatanJan 31, 2014

Really wonderful film with great Leonardo Dicaprio. It is good that today in the world which had lost all morale principles we can see such a film...Moreover there's also a great soundtrack!

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

mvoelckerJan 28, 2014

Beautiful picture with really good actors and a interesting story, but the jay-z songs in the middle of the 20s NY scenario and the extremely computerized buildings and cities didn`t convince me.

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8

MobyZJan 14, 2014

I can't understand why the critics panned this movie. I thought it was one of the most visually brilliant films I have seen. The visual imagery has also been well used to capture the period, the characters, the plot, the emotions and the moodI can't understand why the critics panned this movie. I thought it was one of the most visually brilliant films I have seen. The visual imagery has also been well used to capture the period, the characters, the plot, the emotions and the mood of the movie. Leonardo DiCaprio turns in a fine performance and is well supported by Tobey Maguire. I enjoyed every bit of it.… Expand

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10

AGarcia732Jan 10, 2014

I really didn't know what to expect when I watched this movie, but I can tell you I was at least pleased with the outcome. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire both did good performances, as well as the rest of the cast. The film provides anI really didn't know what to expect when I watched this movie, but I can tell you I was at least pleased with the outcome. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire both did good performances, as well as the rest of the cast. The film provides an interesting look at the height of the "Roaring Twenties". However, it's long running time of nearly 21/2 hours and a near-constant bombardment of visual over-stimulation might make the film somewhat exhausting for some. Every bit as visually dazzling as one might expect with it's production, grand sets, scenery, and detailed costume designs. I personally feel that while this film doesn't necessarily belongs to the category of overblown, over-elaborate movies out there, it could have benefited from having a less dazzling tone. All that aside, the plot was good and I felt sad at the end for Gatsby. Because of the film I decided to read the book, and the movie is a good adaption of the novel.

If you liked this review, please read my other ones on a wide variety of movies, videogames, and TV shows by clicking on my name, and mark this review as helpful.

(P.S, you may have read this review by me under "andrewgarcia732". I cannot enter my old account and have started a new one.)… Expand

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10

HucksterJan 3, 2014

This film is nothing less than a tour de force. Such painstakingly perfect detail in every scene. Even if you haven't read the book, it is a flawless piece of movie-making, so much more than the sum of its individual parts and characters.This film is nothing less than a tour de force. Such painstakingly perfect detail in every scene. Even if you haven't read the book, it is a flawless piece of movie-making, so much more than the sum of its individual parts and characters. Who else but Baz Luhrmann could deliver such breath-taking imagery no scene is without impeccable attention to detail. The soundtrack is brilliant and original and highly evocative. This movie gets better and better with every viewing … Expand

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1

SeniorMintsJan 2, 2014

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is undeniably one if the greatest novels in American literature, and one of my personal favourites. I was thrilled to find out that the book was being adapted into big budget movie, and I thought thatF. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is undeniably one if the greatest novels in American literature, and one of my personal favourites. I was thrilled to find out that the book was being adapted into big budget movie, and I thought that Casting Leo as Gatsby was brilliant.... I was so disappointed with the film. The acting was spot on, and the cinematography was impressive; however, the directing was horrible. Also, the most iconic moments in the book were cut short and reduced into a music video. What the hell was Baz thinking? I'll rate it a one for Leo and Carey… Expand

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10

tlightJan 2, 2014

This film is full of brilliant actors, a story told in a very good way. The setting is beautiful. The screen play is amazing. I can watch this film time and time again.

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5

MattG_123Jan 1, 2014

It's not the performances that are bad, it's the idea and story itself. It just isn't interesting, it's painfully boring, and Baz Luhrmann made it even worse, because after the first 20 minutes of lights and music, the rest is extremely boring.

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8

ExpectonerDec 30, 2013

A great story, with great actors, with a amazing director, with good spécial effects !
Well why give an 8 then ?
Cause i realy dont like RNB music in a Film who the action is in 1930 ...
Except this it's a very good film

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7

SpangleDec 18, 2013

Beautiful, extravagent, and as over the top as one would expect, Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby does a brilliant job capturing the beauty and wealth possessed by Gatsby. This film is pure eye candy, yet it does have some substance beneath itBeautiful, extravagent, and as over the top as one would expect, Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby does a brilliant job capturing the beauty and wealth possessed by Gatsby. This film is pure eye candy, yet it does have some substance beneath it and I think it did a swell job capturing the essence of the novel and telling the fateful tale of Jay Gatsby. In addition, the acting, led by Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Carey Mulligan, was great as well.

Only negatives in this film were the beginning, which was far too hectic and scattered, as well as the soundtrack. While I am a fan of hip hop, it seemed extraordinarily out of place in this film, which is supposed to be set in the 1920's. More period appropriate music should have chosen and ultimately, the soundtrack made it seem almost clumsy. However, the sets were beyond gorgeous and with beautiful shot after shot, this should win best production and best costume design on pure beauty alone. Just wow, the eye candy of each shot admittedly won my heart.… Expand

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9

Corwin86Dec 4, 2013

Emotional film which has in the great interpretation of Di Caprio (and I say this as someone who usually can hardly appreciate him), and in the wise use of certain phrases/sections of the book, its strength.

Overall, one of the bestEmotional film which has in the great interpretation of Di Caprio (and I say this as someone who usually can hardly appreciate him), and in the wise use of certain phrases/sections of the book, its strength.

Overall, one of the best movies, based on a book, I've ever seen .

That said I understand any negative reviews: the style of Luhrmann is sleek and baroque, almost to touch the grotesque... it's a give or take.

But I do not give a 10 because, in the new century, we are still in the hands of producers such as Jay-Z, that put the money and still want to decide on things that are not within their competence, creating disasters... in this case, inserting improbable musical interludes within the film: real advertising, not even disguised.

I also appreciate the film for this reason: the criticism of the wealth as the only foundation of respect for others, every description of corruption decided by money... this point and crowns Jay- Z (real seller of the mass, other than "producer", musical or not).

By now you have no more social distinctions or skin color... we have a man that personifies the power of money, corruption, and fraud to the masses... and has a dark skin... and this means nothing...… Expand

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4

willkulkaNov 30, 2013

A letdown to say the least. The first 20 minutes of the film is a rushed mess. The visuals and cinematography, however, are spectacular and keep the film afloat. It's just unfortunate that a movie should have to rely on it.

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8

cbeers2513Nov 29, 2013

The Great Gatsby is perhaps the greatest American novel ever written. The novel deserves a perfect adaptation that captures its spirit as well as heartrending tragedy. Many have tried, most notably Robert Redford and his golden smile, but allThe Great Gatsby is perhaps the greatest American novel ever written. The novel deserves a perfect adaptation that captures its spirit as well as heartrending tragedy. Many have tried, most notably Robert Redford and his golden smile, but all have failed. Now, Baz Luhrmann, director of the critically divided Romeo and Juliet, attempts to tackle one of Hollywood's adaptations. The critics were once again thoroughly divided on his film, most claiming that Leonardo diCaprio made the movie as Gatsby shine but the film lacked the true heart of the book, replacing the important character development with over the top party scenes. The question is: We're the critics right? Or is this the Gatsby movie that Fitzgerald fans have been waiting for?
The story is told by Nick Carraway, played by Tobey Maguire, who is swept into the world of Gatsby's lavish Long Island parties. He learns that Gatsby, played by Leonardo Dicaprio, has one goal in his life: to reunite with his lost love Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan), who has married to a wealthy billionaire named Tom (Joel Edgerton). The acting in this movie puts all prior iterations to shame. I will be wholeheartedly disappointed if DiCaprio does not take home Oscar gold for his performance as Jay Gatsby. This is the greatest performance of the year in one of the hardest roles to portray, featuring layers upon layers of emotional complexity, doubts, and forlorn love. Yet DiCaprio can do no wrong, flawlessly blending all of Gatsby's traits and mannerisms to create the quintessential Gatsby we all have dreamt for. Carey Mulligan also does extremely well, outshining all other Daisys by giving the lead a distinct personality and making viewers feel legitimately sorry for her, despite her inability to choose Gatsby over Tom. Even Edgerton is great, not acting as an inherently evil Tom, but a wealthy upper class man who can't cope with not getting everything he wants. The only fault in the acting department is Maguire. Although his performance isn't bad, his narrations feel extremely superficial, almost as if he was reading them for the first time instead of taking ownership of his own thoughts. However, DiCaprio's insightful performance, which brought me to tears on multiple occasions, is breathtaking and allows the viewer to truly immerse themselves in the story.
One major complaint of critics is the fact that the movie focuses more on visual imagery and eye candy than the actual story. For the first twenty minutes, I thought they were right. These opening scenes were extremely rushed, allowing for no character development and annoying me as I tried to piece together what each chopping edited scene was trying to tell me. But everything changed in the scene when Gatsby and Daisy first meet. This scene is so awkward, yet so beautiful. This is quite possibly one of my favorite movie scenes of the past few years, and after it, I disregarded the opening half hour and never looked back. Every interaction, every conversation, every kiss is flawlessly executed. The montage of their tour of Gatsby's mansion, which unfolds along with Lana del Ray's masterpiece "Young and Beautiful", is heartwarming and unforgettable, as you can see the perfect expression of newfound hope in both actors' eyes. From that point on, I enjoyed nearly every second of the movie, especially the tension-filled climax in the Plaza Hotel which also astounded me with its ability to play with my emotions. Even the creative licensing the movie takes is done well. Putting Nick in a mental institution after the events of the novel is an interesting and completely plausible interpretation of the story, which leads to an ending scene that I never would have expected. But it was done so well, now I can't see it being done any other way.
However, the movie isn't without faults. As said before, the first thirty minutes are a cluttered mess that almost sink the movie before it gets to its shining moments. Along with this, I do see where other critics are coming from when they say the parties are overdone. They undeniably are. Sometimes the movie focuses too much on the special effects and the guests rather than the extraordinary host, which occasionally disappoints. However, when the movie works, it really works.
The Great Gatsby is not a perfect adaptation of the Great American Novel, and I'm thoroughly convinced that such a thing cannot exist. However, this film is the best one out there and a great movie in general. It may focus on the parties too much and the opening really fails. However, old sport, everything else is just too good to overlook. DiCaprio gives a career-defining performance that, if the Academy has any sense, should net him Oscar gold. Every facet of the film, from the acting to the surprisingly effective soundtrack to the jaw-dropping special effects, works on many levels, and I'd be lying if I said that I was expecting the emotional impact I received. I, like Gatsby, believe in the green light. While this movie can never reach that level of perfection, just like Gatsby can never reach the green light across the sound, it should never die, just like Gatsby's extraordinary gift for hope. The Great Gatsby beats on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
8/10

Follow me on twitter @cbeers2513… Expand

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8

eagleeyevikingNov 29, 2013

A surprising emotional scope blended with good cinematography, a great soundtrack and very stylish direction gives The Great Gatsby a grand overall feel.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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0

mybabymichaelNov 15, 2013

This is probably the most uninteresting movie. You shouldn't put newer music in a movie that's supposed to take place in 20's, the music threw everything off. Yeah the movie should only be partially like the book but since the book is aThis is probably the most uninteresting movie. You shouldn't put newer music in a movie that's supposed to take place in 20's, the music threw everything off. Yeah the movie should only be partially like the book but since the book is a really good classic you guys screwed everything up. Leonardo dicaprio is an amazing actor and is good in this movie but the rest of actors is just a no.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

adhamhanyNov 14, 2013

This is a very mixed movie.

On one hand, the performances are great, with the exception of Tobey Maguire who got tiresome after a while, especially in the narrating scenes. The art direction is fantastic. It really captures the decadenceThis is a very mixed movie.

On one hand, the performances are great, with the exception of Tobey Maguire who got tiresome after a while, especially in the narrating scenes. The art direction is fantastic. It really captures the decadence and excess of that decade. The modern music soundtrack is a hit and miss.

On the other hand, the film just felt all over the place. The editing is very fast. While that's a good thing in the party scenes (which were my favorite), it wasn't in the intimate ones, where you need to slow down and give room for the characters to breathe in.

There lies the movie's ultimate problem: it successfully portrayed the age in which the story takes in, but not the story and characters themselves.… Expand

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3

jgzegerNov 3, 2013

There is little of redeeming value in this flick. It made me nostalgic for the version with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow and the critics weren't very kind to that one either.

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5

LordpekeNov 1, 2013

I thought it was a mediocre movie. I'm not really disappointed but i must say it was not very authentic.
Music was very very poorly chosen, totally failed for me there. Story was not very twisty nor was there anything really special.I thought it was a mediocre movie. I'm not really disappointed but i must say it was not very authentic.
Music was very very poorly chosen, totally failed for me there. Story was not very twisty nor was there anything really special. Costumes were good. To much PC animation, but i've expected that. Wouldn't buy the DVD/BD watch it for free some day on TV or something.… Expand

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7

Joo_leneOct 27, 2013

The Great Gatsby Baz Luhrmann (May 2013)
Lavish and Extravagant! Director Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby captured the over the top love story perfectly. Without wasting any time on intros or credits, Luhrmann jumps intoThe Great Gatsby Baz Luhrmann (May 2013)
Lavish and Extravagant! Director Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby captured the over the top love story perfectly. Without wasting any time on intros or credits, Luhrmann jumps into the story line, which does not stick to the traditional sappy love story of happily ever after.
The film was set during the Prohibition-era of the 1920’s, a time where the rich became rich from corruption and greed. The film took place in Long Island between the East Egg and West Egg, through the Valley of Ashes to New York. The narrator, Nick Carraway finds himself caught in the life of money and secrets. Nick is lured into this wasteful life by his mysterious neighbor Gatsby. Jay Gatsby played by Leonardo DiCaprio, recreated himself to be a part of the new money. A man of many Gatsby lived in West egg, where he threw lavish excessive bashes at his extravagant mansion, in order to catch the eye of his lost love Daisy. Daisy who lived right across the bay in East Egg was played Carey Mulligan. I must say Mulligan embodied Daisy to the tee. Her flawless beauty and carelessness provokes faux innocence and yet she was still able to maintain control of her charter.
I cannot say I enjoyed every charter in this film. Nick Carraway who was played by Tobey Maguire, narrated the film from his asylum. I felt Nick was portrayed as to weak and naive for his new surroundings then he should have been. He became Gatsby’s lapdog and fell into the fabulously wealthy and corrupted lifestyle without any hesitation. Another issue I had throughout the film was we find Gatsby to change as he becomes closer to Daisy. He begins showing weakness and becomes pathetic in is attempt to win her love back. His inability to hold on to control of the situation and his fading façade, ultimately lead to Gatsby’s demise.
The visuals and soundtrack were charismatic and entrancing. Luhrmann was able to combine a modern feel with the old world style. The sets throughout the film where grand, the homes were lavish and in all had an impressively unreal feel. The West Egg of new money was shiny and glamorous, while across the bay in East Egg the old money was classic and traditional. In between Long Island and New York sat the Valley of Ashes where Lurhmann did a good job at depicting the dirty and grimy side of life. I enjoyed watching the party scenes that took place at the Gatsby mansion. The high energy, bold colors and lively music made you jealous that you were not at that party. Yes, there were a few awkward camera angels which if removed would make the film easier to watch. For example during the party scenes the camera moved from one scene to the next rapidly and at a different angle, making it tough to follow and concentrate on. But overall Luhrmann wanted to capture the dazzle and epic events that took place, which I feel he portrayed nicely.
The sound track for the film included Jay-Z along with a star studded list of musicians. The music incorporated modern hip-hop with the jazz age trumpet and piano. Many will disagree, but I feel the soundtrack matched the film perfectly. I think the addition of the new aged jazz and hip-hop music added a fresh feeling and keyed in on a modern roaring 20’s. Also it would have left the audience feeling confused if Luhrmann combined this fast paced and glamorous film with old time blues and ragtime music.
To say the least, the film is horribly underrated because many compare Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby to the 1949 and 1974 versions of the film. Others also crisis Luhrmann’s for straying away from the original plot in the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. However I feel Luhrmann’s modern twist on the old tale created a film incomparable to the previous versions. Its grandness and over dramatic scene with the combination of outlandish parties, burst violence, and tragic romance made the film thoroughly enjoyable to watch.
-Jolene… Expand

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5

diego9901Oct 20, 2013

la película avanza con paso firme en los primeros veinte minutos pero cuando llega el momento en que uno de verdad se da cuenta cual es la trama central de la pelicula uno como espectador pierde toda esperanza que la pelicula se vuelva masla película avanza con paso firme en los primeros veinte minutos pero cuando llega el momento en que uno de verdad se da cuenta cual es la trama central de la pelicula uno como espectador pierde toda esperanza que la pelicula se vuelva mas interesante… Expand

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8

cheeseberger11Oct 19, 2013

Within the first ten minutes of this movie you know its a Baz Luhrman film. Baz tries to throw a modern spin on a 1920's flick in which he successfully executes. The characters were all over-acted which seems to be on purpose and, consideringWithin the first ten minutes of this movie you know its a Baz Luhrman film. Baz tries to throw a modern spin on a 1920's flick in which he successfully executes. The characters were all over-acted which seems to be on purpose and, considering the setting, was appropriate. Leonardo was the perfect man to play as Mr. Jay Gatsby and he executed flawlessly as always. The casting for all the other characters were also done extremely well. The movie did not stray from the infamous novel which was appreciated.… Expand

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10

andrewgarcia732Oct 13, 2013

I really didn't know what to expect when I watched this movie, but I can tell you I was at least pleased with the outcome. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire both did good performances as well. While the film provides an interesting look atI really didn't know what to expect when I watched this movie, but I can tell you I was at least pleased with the outcome. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire both did good performances as well. While the film provides an interesting look at the height of the "Roaring Twenties" and a devastating look into the dark side of the American dream, it's running time of nearly 21/2 hours and a near-constant bombardment of visual over-stimulation might make the film somewhat exhausting for some. Every bit as visually dazzling as one might expect with it's production, grand sets, scenery, and detailed costume designs. I personally feel that while this film doesn't necessarily belongs to the category of overblown, over-elaborate movies out there, it could have benefited from having a less dazzling tone. All that aside, the plot was good and I felt sad at the end for Gatsby. Whether or not the film is a satisfactory adaptation of the novel I can't say because I haven't read the book.

If you liked this review, please read my other ones on a wide variety of movies and TV shows and mark this review as helpful.… Expand

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