Known for his spectacular and flamboyant style, Baz Luhrmann does not disappoint us for an eye-candy treat with THE GREAT GATSBY.
But it's also this excessive and over-the-top trademark that messes the subtleties that are masterfully offered by F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic.
It's a dead give-away, spoonfeeding viewers with every move rather than letting them relish and explore the bittersweet masterpiece. Alas, everything is spelled out for you-- the visuals, the dialogue (whatever happened to minimal VO rule?)
Fans of the book would perhaps be horrified how the screen adaptation reduced the characters into mere caricatures, making them emotionally flat or how the story was endlessly romanticized, going a bit overboard and melodramatic.
And though I get it that in Hollywood, they hype movies by teasing the public with astounding and lavish visual effects (now in 3d!!!), there are times that it just didn't work for me especially when the scenes call out for intimacy and mystery. I think it ruins the moment.
As for incorporating a well-loved classic with a modern twist, it can be tastefully exotic but also quite baffling and yes generally odd, especially when you see 1922 New York while Jay-Z and/or Beyonce music is blaring in the background. (why use such? See credits
Yes, Luhrmann establishes his anachronistic style once more. Remember Moulin Rouge?
(I have a theory Jay-z is inspired by Gatsby. If you've watched his Bio or read his Wiki page, then you'd know why)
This screen version is probably designed for the young audience (hello, #throwback generation!!!)
We do appreciate innovation and spectacle but as they say, sometimes, simplicity works just fine.
But it's also this excessive and over-the-top trademark that messes the subtleties that are masterfully offered by F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic.
It's a dead give-away, spoonfeeding viewers with every move rather than letting them relish and explore the bittersweet masterpiece. Alas, everything is spelled out for you-- the visuals, the dialogue (whatever happened to minimal VO rule?)
Fans of the book would perhaps be horrified how the screen adaptation reduced the characters into mere caricatures, making them emotionally flat or how the story was endlessly romanticized, going a bit overboard and melodramatic.
And though I get it that in Hollywood, they hype movies by teasing the public with astounding and lavish visual effects (now in 3d!!!), there are times that it just didn't work for me especially when the scenes call out for intimacy and mystery. I think it ruins the moment.
As for incorporating a well-loved classic with a modern twist, it can be tastefully exotic but also quite baffling and yes generally odd, especially when you see 1922 New York while Jay-Z and/or Beyonce music is blaring in the background. (why use such? See credits
Yes, Luhrmann establishes his anachronistic style once more. Remember Moulin Rouge?
(I have a theory Jay-z is inspired by Gatsby. If you've watched his Bio or read his Wiki page, then you'd know why)
This screen version is probably designed for the young audience (hello, #throwback generation!!!)
We do appreciate innovation and spectacle but as they say, sometimes, simplicity works just fine.
