The Great Gatsby (2013)
If TikTok wrote American literature.
Presentation:
There’s nothing quite like a Baz Luhrmann film, is there? If you’re a fan of Elvis, Moulin Rouge, or the Hollywood debauchery of Babylon, you could love this film equally. Luhrmann is perhaps ahead of his time, specializing in experimental 3D formats, TikTok editing, and garishly over the top visuals. It is not my cup of tea, but for those with short attention spans, this may be one of the few films that can visually pacify ADHD. That is, until you realize it’s over 2 hours long and based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. What I did appreciate was the art deco/jazz age style and tone, which over-stimulated the senses, but became enjoyable after I got used to it. It’s a jarring contradiction, but there are moments of literary drama from the source material that retain depth despite the visual overload.
Conclusion:
Creative or chaos? Who the hell thinks to add a modern Lana Del Ray soundtrack to a literary period piece during the prohibition of 1922? A madman, visionary! What’s undeniable is this film looks like nothing else with its surreal lighting and CGI. The performances felt hollow to me, but the artistic direction seems to be priority anyway. Maybe it’s the only way to get the next generation enamored with classic literature. There’s always a great story in literature to latch onto, especially when it’s presented like a cinematic Sparknotes.
Recommendations
Level 0 of the liminal basement.