MAB About Movies: The Great Gatsby

            Working Title's movie critic looks at Baz Luhrmann's latest

BY: Mary Ann Bennett

            When the first trailer appeared on TV screens, Baz Luhrmann made a statement. Setting up his film as Nick Carraway's memoir, same as the novel, Luhrmann's style takes on literary format. Complete with map-like transitions between locations and floating text, the film does not forget that its content was once a book. Although the only visible text should have been Carraway's scribbles on his memoir at the end, Luhrmann's visual style brought a flowing elegance to Carraway's memoir. His digitalized world of The Great Gatsby emphasized the literary world of the chasm between old and new money, the sparkling lights of New York City, and the dirt of valley of ashes.

            In a less sweaty adaptation than the 1974 version, the familiar faces of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan revive this classic American novel. DiCaprio easily steals the hearts of the audience. He claims the role of Jay Gatsby with a devastatingly suave smile. He perfects the adorable nervousness of a man in love as well as showing the blustering destruction of hope. Slowly peeling back his many facades, DiCaprio brings together Gatsby in a seemingly effortless performance.

            Maguire takes the sidelines, fitting for his role as narrator and witness to the incredible story. Overwhelmed by DiCaprio, Maguire fits the observing role of Carraway as he floats from scene to scene. Mulligan coyly brings a believable face to Daisy Buchanan and becomes loveable because of Gatsby.

            Electronic beats and Jay-Z's growling voice jarringly bring awareness of the film's modern lens as he blatantly identifies the corruption of the 1920s. Fergie, along with Q Tip and GoonRock, emphasizes the almost carnival-like attitude of Gatsby's parties as she chants party anthems with 1920s jazzy brass unexpectedly popping in. This mixture of modern electronic mixed with 1920s style continues with will.i.am while Andre 3000 and Beyoncé take a darker style to the party scenes. The xx, Florence and the Machine, and Gotye create mysterious and reflective moments overwhelmed with pain within the film. Lana Del Ray's haunting voice echoes the pains of love felt by all generations, swelling in time to the bittersweet Gatsby and Daisy segments. Jack White's rough screams contrast to Del Ray's whispers, wailing his guitar to Gatsby's anguish.

            I recommend the movie because of DiCaprio's performance as Gatsby and Lana Del Ray's song "Young and Beautiful", especially the scene that goes with it. This is not the clammy sweating and ridiculous scarf throwing of 1974. This is The Great Gatsby of Jay-Z and Jack White.