Baz Luhrmann’s recent rendition of The Great Gatsby has to be one of the most aesthetically beautiful films I have seen in quite some time. The visuals used in the film help make it so captivating, which is only enhanced by the phenomenal cast and unique a soundtrack.

       

     Let’s take a moment to appreciate Ronna Kress and Nikki Barrett for putting together such an amazing cast! As much as I love Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, and trust me that I really do, Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan did a fantastic job in portraying Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Their onscreen chemistry and dedication to their roles truly helped the movie succeed. Carey Mulligan specifically blew me away as she actually made me like and sympathize for Daisy. Having read the novel countless times and seeing the various film adaptations, I 

 

have never really been a fan of Daisy’s character. I find her to be very obnoxious and child-like, but in Luhrmann’s rendition, Mulligan makes her loveable and more of a free spirit. The rest of the cast does a great job of holding the story together and while my personal focus was on DiCaprio and Mulligan, there weren’t any bad acting moments at all by anyone.

     Apart from the cast, the overall look of the film was stunning! From the vividly colorful costumes and over the top decorum, to the mash up of old and new songs for the soundtrack, the film is nothing less than beautiful. The characters are clad in the most exquisite looking clothes and accessories that both capture the essence of the 1920’s as well as appeal to current audiences. There were quite a few things that I wouldn’t mind wearing at all. (Needless to say I’m waiting for some sort of nail polish collection or eye shadow pallet. Come on Sephora…get on that already!) All of that PLUS an amazing soundtrack produced by Jay-Z!? What doesn’t this film have?

     All of these things rolled into one glamorous ball make the film as successful as it is. Its opening weekend the film pulled in $51.1 million** and it is still going strong. I recommend going to see the film because this is one that NEEDS to be experienced on the big screen!

 

**Data taken from Forbes online:  (http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2013/05/12/weekend-box-office-the-great-gatsby-opens-to-51-million-star-trek-into-darkness-debuts-overseas-to-31-million/)