Just watched the latest incarnation of F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby. I first enjoyed the book when I was in my teens, might have even been a reading assignment in high school, I have forgotten. I must admit I was somewhat prepared to dislike this adaptation for a couple of reasons. The first being this was directed by the same gentleman who brought us Moulin Rouge (which I hated). Secondly, I have always enjoyed the 1974 version with Robert Redford as Gatsby, Mia Farrow as Daisy, Sam Waterston as Nick Carraway, Karen Black as Myrtle, Bruce Dern as Tom Buchanan and the lovely deep voiced Lois Chiles as Jordan Baker. I still prefer Redford as Gatsby however! DiCaprio just couldnt hold a candle to, (not that Leo isnt a fine actor in the majority of his roles.) Tobey Maguire I thought did an outstanding job as Nick Carraway, bringing certain aspects of the character to light in a more dimensional way (again no offense to Mr. Waterstons portrayal, another fine actor in his own right). The lavishness that Fitzgerald painted in his story of the Jazz Age, with the clothing, the make-up, the automobiles seemed very much apparent in this version, the music however not so much. I was reminded again of why I love Fitzgeralds book
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 03:11:17 +0000