I never thought I would dedicate a blog to a movie, but I would like to make an exception because it's based on a book. And a great book at that! I am not a fan of film adaptations of novels. But I do like to be proven wrong sometimes. :-) And I was more than happy when the 'The Great Gatsby' film actually proved to be worth the wait! So here's my review of the book and the movie on the book.
What Fitzgerald actually talks about is the beginning of Jazz age. First, about its grandeur and exuberance and then its extreme dark side. Not directly but through a storyline. His book is not just an description, but a visual extravagant portrayal by a highly imaginative mind. He describes people, places and situations as illusions or like illusions. And the film actually captures that visual treat quite perfectly! It's simply Great! 'Great' is only a word. However, the story refers to the effect it adds to everything it is used with. Be it dreams, money, emotions or carelessness. So, basically, the book is not rich just because of the atmosphere in which it is set up. And not a thing about the film is even distantly related to simplicity, as it ought to be.
The story starts with..."Whenever you feel like criticizing any one just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you've had.” And it implies it all the while. I forgot to mention that the dialogues are a treat as well. It's not just because of the way they impact you but also because of the philosophy behind them. About direction, acting, technicalities and music of the film, all are very good and in the spirit of the book. Overall, I would say one may not fall in love with it the way I did. But it will definitely impress you, at least while watching it. Or leave you breathless when you read it!
 |
| Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. |
Personally, I would always prefer the novel over the film. And it will always be the original one. A film cannot match up to it but certainly live up to it. And 'THE GREAT GATSBY' does do that! So thanks to F. Scott Fitzgerald for the great novel! And to the cast and crew for the film!(Although, one hitch, it doesn't include the very important-Gatsby confiding "Her voice is full of money". Which explains a lot about many things happening in the story.)
Good post ! Liked it a lot. I still don't get WHY everyone else who read the book hated it. Purists maybe ?
ReplyDeletethat's unlikely now-a-days.:) people won't even think that purist think, let alone try to even think like them. :P I guess the most likely reason is that- that kind of writing needs getting used to. Its so exotic that you need to develop a taste for it, before you can appreciate it. :)
Delete