The Great Gatsby: Baz Luhrmann's Film

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, took the world by storm when it was first published in 1925 and is still a popular piece of American literature almost a century later. His emphasis on sociopolitical themes makes his book a useful tool for discussing modern day issues. Because of its popularity and relevance to modern day life, The Great Gatsby has gone through many film adaptations, each unique in its own right. Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 remake of this timeless story remains true to Fitzgerald’s themes of class and the dangers of dwelling in the past, but completely changes the way Nick is portrayed and ends the film with Gatsby believing that Daisy still loves him. Although the film contains several variations from the original novel, it still expresses the most important aspects of the story, its themes of class and being stuck in the past. Because Fitzgerald’s purpose behind his novel was to emphasize themes of class and the problems that arise when one’s mind is stuck in the past, Luhrmann made sure to include them in his film adaptation. Fitzgerald utilized rich imagery and diction to get his message across; consequently, Luhrmann turned his words into stunning images that clearly displayed the opulence and splendor
Both the film and the movie demonstrate the hollowness of the upper class and explain why one cannot achieve the American dream when he is stuck in the past. The film, however, strays from the original story by depicting Nick as an alcoholic and granting Gatsby peace of mind before he dies. Regardless of which interpretation one chooses, The Great Gatsby, will always be an essential platform for discussing today’s social issues and will push readers to chase their dreams instead of dwelling in the