Scott Gentry reviews "The Great Gatsby", the new adaptation of the F.Scott Fitzgerald classic.

"The Great Gatsby" (12A)
Director: Baz Luhrman.
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Jason Clarke.
Rated: 12A, for containing moderate sex, violence and bloody images.
Out now in UK cinemas.


After moving to Long Island (just outside of New York, America) Would-be writer and WW1 veteran Nick Caraway (Tobey Maguire), is thrust into the vibrant and alluring life of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo Dicaprio) his neighbour. Soon, Nick begins to question Jay and how he obtained his large fortune, with consequences no-one could have foretold...

Being a fan of the "The Great Gatsby" novel, I was very much looking forward to this adaptation. Many people remember the 1974 version, starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, which received mixed to positive reviews, but was a financial success. You see, there has never been a `great` Gatsby adaptation, only mediocre ones. The latest adaptation (I hoped) would maybe become the definitive version.

 "The Great Gatsby" (2013) is a well-rounded film, that likes to be daring and add in pieces that are suitable for the youth of today. For example, the film contains a fantastic soundtrack; including music from Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and the likes of the rock band, U2. There are also plenty of light-hearted moments, action and lots of drinking and partying.

Baz Luhrman has not conformed to the traditionalist’s view of the novel, and has instead put his own swing on it, which proves to be entertaining. The style of Luhrman is wonderful; the way he has set out the world of Gatsby is quite brilliant. It is colourful, vibrant and above all true to the book.

The cast was well thought out and I believe that "The Great Gatsby" gave Tobey Maguire his chance, to show the world that he wasn`t just bound to the “Spiderman” franchise and can actually act. The moment, Leonardo Dicaprio signed on, I was hooked. Dicaprio has been making films for nearly twenty-four years, but has never won an Oscar. At the next Oscars, I hope that Dicaprio wins; as he is superb as Gatsby. The supporting cast is brilliant, Carey Mulligan (veteran of "Doctor Who") plays Daisy Buchanan, the love of Gatsby`s life and is surprisingly good.

 In summation, "The Great Gatsby" is a good adaptation, boasting a great cast, lavish effects and the chance to bring an eighty-eight year old novel, swinging and dancing into the modern age.

4 STARS

Written by Scott Gentry.