The Great Gatsby

Lights, glamour, action!

The glorious long awaited Great Gatsby finally hits the big screen. Immediately,  the seduction of music lined with the modern day roaring twenties is aesthetically beautiful. Modern music in a classic remade film was a brilliant mix. I believe the modern day party music fits very well with the party lifestyle of the 20's. With themes like party, sex, and alcohol- the only thing that separates us from them is time.

Leo DiCaprio embodies Gatsby like none other. Every line said and subtle movement was so smooth, cool, and spot on yet there was always this mystery about him that made us wonder. I don't think I could have picked a better actor to embody the Great Gatsby. This role made Leo look younger and richer.

Once exposed, the love between Gatsby and Daisy was such a rare breed in real life yet more common in films. A unicorn romance bet on by many to triumph in the end. His fear, determination, and dedication was amusing. How far was this man willing to go for a woman he left five years ago? Would his efforts pay off? His thoughts were unpredictable that kind of went in hand with his mood swings but his love was undeniable.

I was hooked from beginning to end. I liked the book, loved the movie, and was captured by this remake. Everything was magnified and brought to life in a reviving way. What kept me intrigued was the masking of emotions and underlying plans. The world full of glitz and glamour was just an illusion hiding the truth. When Daisy mentioned she wanted her daughter to grow up and be a fool, a beautiful fool, it made me think...is ignorance really bliss? If it is, when is it ok to be ignorant? The craving of one's desire was always within reach but it never lived in the palm of one's hand.

Gatsby's house was always full of people from the elaborate parties he hosted but a house full of people echoed with hollowness until the day Daisy stepped back through his gates; that was such a beautiful moment to witness. To think of love as something that robs your mind is scary and vulnerable. Gatsby's outlook as to love is to never be free; that was a compelling concept. How do people view love today?

This movie brings forth themes like truth and how painful it can be. How far do we go to keep ourselves protected? What do we do when the past catches up? How long is enough running? How much of ourselves do we let remain foolish to the world? The Great Gatsby was a thought provoking film with such a honest intelligent message. I would recommend this film to just about anyone. Hopefully it will leave you thinking about the right thing to do verses the thing that feels right.