Rated: P13
Running Time: 142 minutes
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Screenplay: Baz Luhrmann, Craig Pearce
Based on novel by: F. Scott Fizgerald
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Elizabeth Debicki, Amitabh Bachchan
Synopsis: Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby's circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.
Verdict: Never read the novel it's based on but I can tell that the film didn't do it justice. Leonardo DiCaprio once again showcased his expertise in playing wealthy characters but have gone to waste in this Great Gatsby adaptation, which Baz Luhrmann prioritised on the 3D visuals and the disregard of the jazz age more than the script, emotional development and the conflict between the main characters. Great visuals, great cheesy acting, great compelling build-up, but unconvincing climax, emotionally disconnected and horrible choice of music. Simply put, Luhrmann's very own modernisation tricks from Romeo + Juliet (1996) didn't work here but at least this is more enjoyable than his previous film Australia (2008).
Second opinion: "This story is better to be left a novel; Baz Luhrman just didn't do it right" (friends).
Most repeated phrase: "Old sport" - it gets really annoying.
To watch in 3D? Only if you think you'd like 3D effects of wealthy people's huge mansions and parties.
Malaysian censorship: Some skillful skips and slow motions that you wouldn't even notice that anything's censored at all.
Dumbest comment I heard in the cinema: "I felt that it was a bit Titanic-ish." Whaaaat?
Rating: 2.5 / 5
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Best scene: The part where Gatsby (DiCaprio) meets Daisy (Carey Mulligan) again for first time at Nick's (Tobey Maguire) place. It's hilarious for a wealthy grownup to be all nervous and awkward when seeing a girl. Well played by Luhrmann on adding in comedic element in this scene otherwise it may have been a completely dull pretentious film.
Unconvincing areas: To me, the story's to convey how obsession and wealth blinds individuals in love. The film's spot on with Gatsby's obsession with Daisy and the rise of his own status but neglects Daisy's obsession with wealth and status. Throughout the movie, Daisy is portrayed as a nice girl who's convincingly in love with Gatsby but then falls apart easily when her cheating husband provokes Gatsby by revealing his illegal businesses. She's also willing to just run away with her husband and leave Gatsby to take the blame for the hit and run (she's the one who drove the car), and didn't even bother about his death in the end. Also, if Gatsby's so obsessed with Daisy, why can't he just run away with her when she asks for it?
What have can you learn from this movie? Girls don't mind their husband cheating on them as long as his legally rich enough for her to sit on the couch all day doing nothing. Girls shouldn't drive. Don't be too obsessed with a bitch who can't make up her mind.
