THE GREAT GATSBY

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
MAY 9, 2013

Baz Luhrmann’s take on the great American novel “The Great Gatsby” is not only visually enthralling from start to finish but delivers some of the best performances so far this year, including an impossible-to-beat presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, who was born to play Gatsby. Carey Mulligan also steals the show with a beauty beyond what you imagine Daisy to be. Joel Edgerton also steps out of his wheelhouse and captivates in his role.

And in his first memorable, significant starring role since Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire handles himself impressively. Isla Fisher and Elizabeth Debicki are also gorgeous as ever, keeping pace with the mega-stars around them. The imagery is unforgettable in Luhrmann’s “Gatsby” with epic, sweeping shots and enormous choreographed dance numbers accompanied by modern hip hop music and delectable covers of contemporary music. However, the film never feels “too Luhrmann,” and one could even forget it was written and directed by Baz halfway through.

Although I have yet to finish the novel for the first time, the first third of the film was on par with bringing the book to life in a new and exciting way. I often utter these words, but I may have to see this film again in 3D.