Circlet of Stars: REVIEW: “The Great Gatsby” (2013)

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of four) ★★★☆

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton

Mulligan and DiCaprio in their portrayal of a classic

Highly anticipated since its original announcement last year, “The Great Gatsby” directed by Baz Luhrmann (“Romeo + Juliet”, “Moulin Rouge!”), now out in theatres, starts you out in a whirlwind and leaves you grounded, albeit a little dizzy. I was fortunate enough to have gone to the premiere on Thursday night of the premiere, but more on that later.

Luhrmann’s “Great Gatsby” is a modern-esque take on the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald geared toward a 21st-century audience. With it’s loud, almost gaudy setting, it differs greatly from Fitzgerald’s novel but does emphasize the illustrious spell the Jazz Age casted over its victims. “Gatsby” falls flat in some areas and shines in others.

The film is definitely a spectacle and beautiful to look at. The first act in the movie is jerky and fast-paced, leaving you in a rush by the time Daisy (Mulligan) and Gatsby (DiCaprio) reconnect and begin their affair, when the film starts to slow down. The soundtrack was also cleverly incorporated in the movie. Luhrmann’s classic utilization of weather to reflect the moods of the characters throughout the film.

DiCaprio’s performance as Gatsby shone through the heavy glitz and glamour that at times was a bit overwhelming. In his performance, he captured the spectrum that is the Jay Gatsby, transitioning well from the puppy-love stage of chasing Daisy to his growing obsession that eventually consumes him. In my opinion, he was a fantastic casting choice. One could compare him to James Franco’s Gatsby in an earlier lit-to-film translation, but in the end DiCaprio comes out on top.

Mulligan’s portrayal of Daisy was also true to the book and to how I envisioned Daisy: a beautiful but spoiled, air-headed woman who epitomized the Jazz Age blissful and careless attitude. Aussie actor Joel Edgerton, who played Daisy’s jealous but unfaithful husband Tom, is a close contender with DiCaprio for the best performance of the bunch. Honestly, I had little to no faith in Tobey Maguire as narrator Nick Carraway, but in the end he delivered.

“Gatsby” has notes of humor amidst the drama, romance, and lavishness, making it a well-rounded film overall, despite it occasionally getting in the way of itself.