justjmac

When I first saw that Leonardo DiCaprio was filming the Great Gatsby last year I squeeled because well, I am a child of the 90′s so yeah, of course I love pretty much anything with Leo in it. Then I started seeing the pictures from the set… and finally the first trailer. It made my heart race. Last night when I got to screen the movie, That was also the same effect it had on me. Being an avid reader, you would think that I would have read the book, but for one reason or another I just have never gotten around to it, so this review is coming from someone who knew OF the story but not the whole story. I for one was absolutely thrilled with how it was portrayed. Now, how true to the book it was, I cannot I say. I am curious to hear what more people have to say about that after opening weekend.

First off, let me state that I am generally NOT a fan of movies in 3D. When I walked in and was handed glasses, I thought, “Great.” and was kind of annoyed. However I was glad to finally have been proven wrong, that 3D can actually be quite visually stunning! The very opening sequence had me in awe. I normally think 3D is too dark, that it’s distracting, and I get sick of wearing the glasses. However with this film, it was fantastic! The color was still vibrant, the effects were spot on, they added so much depth to the movie and I eventually forgot that I was wearing them and quite enjoyed Leonardo DiCaprio in 3D! The Snow. The Mist. The Green Light. You. Will. See. 

As a whole, I was very pleased with this film. I am going to go out on a limb and say that it is my favorite film that I’ve seen of 2013! The acting was spot on. The story was amazing. The theme of the American Dream, self-reinvention and love lost, regained and lost again is touching and tragic. The anticipation of meeting “Gatsby” played by Leonardo DiCaprio was quite well done and when you finally see him its almost breathtaking.  Nick Carraway (Played by Tobey McGuire) narrates the film while his voice is probably not my favorite, he did a decent job. Carey Mulligan who plays “Daisy Buchanan” was standout to me. Her poise and mannerism’s made me fall in love with this girl. Leo obviously knocked the ball out of the park with this one too. While the term “Old Sport” may have been used 12 times too many, I understand that was part of the character he played… and boy did he play it well. 

I think I have learned that I really just love Baz Luhrmann films. The ambiance of the film felt very “Moulin Rouge” if you will. The eccentric camera angles and filming vantage points. The slightly exaggerated costumes for the time period. The color’s just a bit brighter than maybe they would have been in the 1920′s. The soundtrack. I absolutely LOVE when a time period piece pulls modern day music and works it into a soundtrack. Lana Del Ray, Beyonce, Jay Z. When they are heading into New York City and you catch a slight chorus of “H to the Izzo” by Jay Z the entire theater loved it. It somehow fit. An acoustic version of “Crazy in Love”. I immediately went home and downloaded the soundtrack! I found it brilliant! The modern “edge” to the parties thrown at Gatsby’s were unique and thrilling. The set’s were amazing. Gatsby’s “castle” it absolutely ridiculous. 

I definitely would reccomend getting to the theater to see this movie! I laughed, My heart raced, I got teary, it truly gave me all the feels! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

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