For our main task, our group has decided to create a modern adaptation of a literary classic. So it seemed appropriate that in preparation for our task, that we research other adaptations for inspiration and ideas. The first film I watched and will review is The Great Gatsby. This film, made in 2013 and directed by Baz Luhrmann, is based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that follows a small cast of characters living in the fictional town of West Egg on Long Island in 1922. The 1920s was an iconic era, known for its blossoming economic prosperity and the evolution of jazz music, as well as the introduction of the flapper culture and illegal activities like bootlegging. The aspects of the culture of this time period are all explored in the movie adaptation of the novel.
Despite the title of the story being The Great Gatsby, the movie and novel are told from the perspective of another character, Nick Carraway. Although Nick experiences finanical struggles in comparison to Mr Gatsby who lives a life of luxury and excitement, Nick develops profousely throughout the story. The title of the film and novel are therefor slightly misleading, however another central focus of the plot is the mystery surrounding Mr Gatsby and his life.
The Opening
This is furthered by the opening of the film which shows a close up of Nick, who seems to be in deep thought. The first word said in the film is said by Nick as is vitally significant to the story, 'Gatsby'. This short and simple name belongs to a complex character that has already been established as the most important in the plot. The immedicacy of his presence, although not physical, has a major impact on the story as the mystery has already begun. It is this mystery surrounding Gatsby, that keeps the audience attention.
Within the first minute of this opening, the tempo and setting of the story changes from somber and mysterious to lively and exciting, reflecting the era of elaborate parties and an economy that was flourishing financially. It was at this time in histroy, in the 1920s, that New York gained its reputation as 'the city that never sleeps' and the film successfully establishes this setting well through use of a vibrant colour scheme and upbeat jazz music. The sense of mystery surrounding the central character Mr Gatsby has not been erased however it has been set aside as this side of excitement takes over temporarily and is rooted as just as important as the sense of mystery. They were balanced in the plot and both equally vital to the developement of Mr Gatsby's character. The bright yellow lights are forceful and inviting the audience to relax into a sotry while enjoying the fun of the parties.
In the opening of the film, several landscape shots of New York city are shown with more subtle colours schemes for example pale shades of blue. This highlights there are moments of tranquility and New York can be admired for its natural beauty, away from the blinding lights of Times Square. It seems like a peaceful area, making it suprising for the audience to learn that this is a place of parties and festivity. It shows that not everything is as it seems which is relevant to the plot and particularly to Mr Gatsby.
Another important scene in the opening shows chaos in Nick's workplace, as the stock market is booming. It shows the importance of money is a society where luxury was considered a necessity. That is why I find Nick to be a refreshing character. While he enjoys the occasional luxurious party, a drink or two, he comes from a humble background where the money he owns, he has earned through hard work.
Narration
Nick's narration is also effectively written and used as a way to enforce the energy of the era. It is not through Toeby Maguire's performance, which is down to earth and not energetic in this scene, that the electricity of the era is portrayed but it is through his words:
"At Yale I dreamed of becoming a writer. But I gave all that up. With the sun shining and the bursts of leaves on the trees, I planned to spend the summer studying. And I probably would have, if it were not for the riotous amusements that beckoned from beyond the walls of that colossal castle owned by a gentleman I had not yet met, named Gatsby." In the 1920s, dreams were easily forgotten if they were not practical. Nick had intended to settle down to a summer of hard work to begin to build his life up with hard earned knowledge and money. But the demand of the era for energetic and lively parties was overwhelming and it began to felt like a necessity to join in with the culture of this time.
Main Film
The opening of the film is based around Nick having a discussion with a doctor and telling him his story and relation with Gatsby right from the beginning. He speaks about visiting his cousin Daisy's house for dinner. She lives in East Egg on the opposite side of the harbour to Nick and the lifestyle she lives, having married the son of a rich family, is the complete opposite to Nick. The extravagance and elegance of the grounds, the house and everything in it, is astounding to Nick. The film cleverly shows how staggering this world is to him by depicting the scene as if Nick is dreaming, by keeping the windows open so the long white curtains flow freely around the room, blinding him.
This pan shot used later in the film, and lighting both allow the audience to see the surroundings and setting of the Gatsby mansion. The lake is still and tranquil, which contrasts majorly with the bright light of the house downstairs which are warm and inviting to his guests for his extravagent parties. The front of the house is glowing with bright lights, however other hidden areas at the back of the mansion are dark and shadowed with dim colours, showing how Gatsby is hiding behind the excitement and hides a dark secret, using his money and life of luxury as a cover.
The party scenes in the Great Gatsby are flooded excessive colours, light and life which I found to be overwhelming, even sickening. This is relefective of the era which was an era of excess. This full and energetic feel of the film helps the audience to understand the emptiness the characters feel behind the fun and luxurious lives. Nick explained that "it was all for her" showing that Gatsby used his money to put on a front of excitement so the other characters would not see the emptiness he felt without Daisy. He threw lively parties to make her happy, she enjoyed the excitement as it was a distraction from her unhappy marriage.
This shot was intended and effective as it adds to the mystery of the plot. This adds an emphasis of mystery to the character`s identity. we know that this figure is in fact Mr Gatsby, we do not have a face to match to his name which further conceals identity from the audience. This was intentional and clever as the director is effectively dangling a carrot in front of the audience. However, even after the audience sees Gatsby's face, this does little to add to his characterisation as he remains a conealed and private man, hiding his life and unhappiness.
Despite the title of the story being The Great Gatsby, the movie and novel are told from the perspective of another character, Nick Carraway. Although Nick experiences finanical struggles in comparison to Mr Gatsby who lives a life of luxury and excitement, Nick develops profousely throughout the story. The title of the film and novel are therefor slightly misleading, however another central focus of the plot is the mystery surrounding Mr Gatsby and his life.
The Opening
This is furthered by the opening of the film which shows a close up of Nick, who seems to be in deep thought. The first word said in the film is said by Nick as is vitally significant to the story, 'Gatsby'. This short and simple name belongs to a complex character that has already been established as the most important in the plot. The immedicacy of his presence, although not physical, has a major impact on the story as the mystery has already begun. It is this mystery surrounding Gatsby, that keeps the audience attention.
Within the first minute of this opening, the tempo and setting of the story changes from somber and mysterious to lively and exciting, reflecting the era of elaborate parties and an economy that was flourishing financially. It was at this time in histroy, in the 1920s, that New York gained its reputation as 'the city that never sleeps' and the film successfully establishes this setting well through use of a vibrant colour scheme and upbeat jazz music. The sense of mystery surrounding the central character Mr Gatsby has not been erased however it has been set aside as this side of excitement takes over temporarily and is rooted as just as important as the sense of mystery. They were balanced in the plot and both equally vital to the developement of Mr Gatsby's character. The bright yellow lights are forceful and inviting the audience to relax into a sotry while enjoying the fun of the parties.
Another important scene in the opening shows chaos in Nick's workplace, as the stock market is booming. It shows the importance of money is a society where luxury was considered a necessity. That is why I find Nick to be a refreshing character. While he enjoys the occasional luxurious party, a drink or two, he comes from a humble background where the money he owns, he has earned through hard work.
Narration
Nick's narration is also effectively written and used as a way to enforce the energy of the era. It is not through Toeby Maguire's performance, which is down to earth and not energetic in this scene, that the electricity of the era is portrayed but it is through his words:
"At Yale I dreamed of becoming a writer. But I gave all that up. With the sun shining and the bursts of leaves on the trees, I planned to spend the summer studying. And I probably would have, if it were not for the riotous amusements that beckoned from beyond the walls of that colossal castle owned by a gentleman I had not yet met, named Gatsby." In the 1920s, dreams were easily forgotten if they were not practical. Nick had intended to settle down to a summer of hard work to begin to build his life up with hard earned knowledge and money. But the demand of the era for energetic and lively parties was overwhelming and it began to felt like a necessity to join in with the culture of this time.
Main Film
The opening of the film is based around Nick having a discussion with a doctor and telling him his story and relation with Gatsby right from the beginning. He speaks about visiting his cousin Daisy's house for dinner. She lives in East Egg on the opposite side of the harbour to Nick and the lifestyle she lives, having married the son of a rich family, is the complete opposite to Nick. The extravagance and elegance of the grounds, the house and everything in it, is astounding to Nick. The film cleverly shows how staggering this world is to him by depicting the scene as if Nick is dreaming, by keeping the windows open so the long white curtains flow freely around the room, blinding him.
This pan shot used later in the film, and lighting both allow the audience to see the surroundings and setting of the Gatsby mansion. The lake is still and tranquil, which contrasts majorly with the bright light of the house downstairs which are warm and inviting to his guests for his extravagent parties. The front of the house is glowing with bright lights, however other hidden areas at the back of the mansion are dark and shadowed with dim colours, showing how Gatsby is hiding behind the excitement and hides a dark secret, using his money and life of luxury as a cover.
This shot was intended and effective as it adds to the mystery of the plot. This adds an emphasis of mystery to the character`s identity. we know that this figure is in fact Mr Gatsby, we do not have a face to match to his name which further conceals identity from the audience. This was intentional and clever as the director is effectively dangling a carrot in front of the audience. However, even after the audience sees Gatsby's face, this does little to add to his characterisation as he remains a conealed and private man, hiding his life and unhappiness.
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