The Great Gatsby: 'Great' Is An Overstatement

One of America's finest piece of literature has yet again witnessed a movie adaptation for the fifth time under the direction of Baz Luhrmann. This time it soared high and unfortunately got lost. 

For those unaware of the synopsis of The Great Gatsby, it all takes place during the roaring twenties at the fictional town of West Egg. Narrated by Nick Carraway, he tells the story of a mysterious millionaire named Jay Gatsby and his love for Nick's cousin, Daisy Buchanan. Seems simple enough, but the novel and the film itself discuss various themes like self-indulgence, excess, resistance to change, and so much more. It basically reflects the lives of the Americans living the American Dream.

Sadly, I wasn't able to read the novel before going to the cinemas but on the bright side, I had a clean slate in my mind and was unbiased, not knowing what to expect from the movie.


Basically, we have Jay Gatsby who lives the life that any man would want to live. He seems to have everything that man desires except for one: the woman. He is madly in love to Daisy Buchanan for the past five years and he has a wild dream that he wants to put into a reality with woman he loves. Sadly, not everything goes exactly into what he hopes for.

The film seems to stay faithful to the novel, (I say 'seems' since I've only read the summary in wiki), but it did not leave any lasting effect that the novel would have. It keeps you waiting for two hours of CGI only to bring you something not worth having. The movie did explore the themes present in the book but sadly, it wouldn't make you care until the last few minutes of the movie and by the time you do start caring, the movie ends.

The movie was not all that bad though, the effects and editing are marvelous and breathtaking as expected for a 3D movie, but it wouldn't exactly be that bad in 2D either. 

The Great Gatsby is an extravagant and lavish mansion on the exterior but lacks the essence of what would make you call it a home.


Rating: 2/5