The Great Gatsby

I remember being forced to read The Great Gatsby in high school, but I don't think I finished the novel (I much preferred to not do any homework), and I'm quite certain I don't remember many of F. Scott Fitzgerald's words.
And when it comes to Baz Luhrmann, it is almost impossible not to be blown away by the scale of his works - he knows what an epic should be, but more than that he understands it. Everyone remembers Strictly Ballroom (or Strictly Boring depending on who you ask), Romeo and Juliet still brings a tear to the eyes of some, Moulin Rouge can make you sing, dance and cry at will, and Australia was epic storytelling, even if it ended about five times before the ending and went a tad longer than what could've been enough.
While not being the biggest fans of both men, I was drawn to The Great Gatsby by film reviews, the  performances of powerhouse actors Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio in scenes shown in the various trailers, and, more than anything, curiosity.
What followed was a wild adventure through parts of the United States of America during the Roaring Twenties, a time when automobiles were becoming all the rage, alcohol was available in copious amounts despite being prohibited, and servants were seemingly all the rage.
We follow Maguire's Nick Carraway, a university grad and World War I veteran that has fallen off the rails to become a depressed alcoholic. Carraway talks to his doctor about his journey to that point, and continues to talk of a man named Gatsby. The doctor (Jack Thompson) urges young Carraway to write the story, and he jump through a series of flashbacks to find out just who this mysterious man was.
People who have read the book will know what happens, and (surely) many others have seen the film or at least know what happens. Those that don't know should go and find out.

I expected to enjoy the ride, but didn't think I would enjoy or even like the story. It turned out being one of the best films I've seen this year - which is a surprise because I seem to be more of a science fiction or action film fan.

DiCaprio's portrayal of Gatsby was brilliant. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he interacted with the other characters - all of it was how I imagine a mega-rich man would act in that era. Maguire nailed his role as the chief storyteller Carraway, giving us a deep insight into the man whose life would be so heavily impacted by a chance meeting with the man he describes as the "most hopeful I have ever met".
There are quite a few presentation characteristics that most can recognise as "pure Luhrmann", like an extra sparkle to the crisp colour on screen, and the way he helps create the myth around his characters. He makes us believe the primary characters are untouchable, and finds ways to help us understand not just what they are thinking, but why they are thinking it.
Even the heavy presence of R&B music, thanks to executive producer Shawn Corey Carter, better known by his stage name, Jay-Z. The uptempo hip-hop stylings delivered to the production obviously isn't what one would think the music of the time actually was, but it works in this film. Gatsby is made known to us as a man who has it all, a man unlike any other, and a man who hosts parties so extravagant you have to see to believe. It's at these parties you notice most of the Jay-Z influence (somewhat predictably), but his presence doesn't take away from the scenes, or the overall production, at all.
Carly Mulligan is outstanding in her role as Daisy Buchanan, while Joel Edgerton, Isla Fsher and Elizabeth Debicki more than hold their own in very important supporting roles.
A must see.

The Great Gatsby: 144 minutes. (2013)