Looking around the theater before the movie started, I was surprised to see 80% of the audience was female. During the movie, I realized why. The story is a romantic drama with natural appeal to women. The characters, costumes and sets are interesting. The story is compelling and lucidly told. Of course, the movie has Baz's characteristic visual energy and excitement. That spectacle serves the plot and entertains at the same time.
While I'm not a DiCaprio fan, I love Carey Mulligan since being introduced to her in the fabulous "An Education." And Tobey Maguire is always good.
Not all movies are worth $12.50 (in 2D; 3D costs even more) but this one is. Go!
I heard this was a great movie. If anything the fashion is awesome! I have to say that Leo looks quite dapper in this photo though :) Heather
ReplyDeleteYou ABSOLUTELY need to read the book! It's one of my top three favorites in the standard Western literary canon. It's a relatively fast read, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, good to hear that, Ally - I am keen to go and see it! I read the book ages ago but can't really remember the story now, so it'll be a surprise... I loved R&J and Moulin Rouge too, so I must be a Baz fan...
ReplyDeleteMy son is DYING to see this movie! He has been talking about it since he first heard that it was being made.
ReplyDeleteIt comes out in South Africa this weekend ... he is currently reading the book.\
I had to read the book in high school and then watched the version with Robert Redford in it ... can still remember that the fashion was magnificent and of course Robert Redford was every girls dream date!!!!
Hmm I was very captivated by it when I heard that the movie was about to come out (even more since Di Caprio is one of my favourite actors), but I don't know, the trailer is a little...chaotic for my tastes, it doesn't reflect so much the athmosphere that I pictured while reading the book ("the book was better than the movie", hehe). If you say it's worth it I might give it a try though :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this book, I think I have read it 3 times. I honestly cannot wait to see this, I need to schedule some unscheduled time into my schedule.
ReplyDeleteI loved the book too. Could never imagine anyone but Robert Redford and Mia Farrow (love them both) in these roles. It will be fun to see the big production the 2013 version will be, but I'll probably wait till it comes out on dvd, although I'm sure it would be better viewed on the big screen.
ReplyDeleteIf you've not seen the original, I'd highly recommend it.
Glad you enjoyed the film. :)
I read the book in high school. I do want to see it, though I'll probably wait for the DVD - if I'm going to spend that much on a movie, I'd rather buy it. (Unless it's one of my big fandoms like Star Trek, then I'll do both).
ReplyDeleteTony just saw Gatsby yesterday (I haven't recouped enough yet to venture out, so I didn't accompany him), and was thoroughly impressed. He's calling it one of the best movies he's ever seen (which is high praise, because I consider him one of the finest movie critics I've ever known), so now I'm even more excited to hopefully catch it aspa myself, too.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great Monday & week ahead, dear Ally!
♥ Jessica
Oh, yes! Please do read the book! It is so wonderful. I was SO excited for this to come out and I thought I'd be able to see it with my mom for mom's day, but she changed her mind. Oh well! I'm glad you enjoyed it and you made me even more excited to finally see it (whenever that'll be)
ReplyDeleteI read The Great Gatsby in high school but I can't remember much of what happened. Perhaps I should read it again. Or just go see the movie.
ReplyDeleteBaz Luhrmann does pretty amazing stuff, i'm a fan too Ally and have seen a lot of his films. I would have thought that Australia would have made it over there, have you seen that? It's visually stunning and while I'm not into romances it kept me interested.
ReplyDeleteI'll be seeing the great gatsby when it comes here.
I am not interested in any of the actors but want to watch the movie purely based on the costumes! Will let you know what I think :)
ReplyDeleteThe costumes are great. They were designed by Baz's wife CM who works with him on all of his movies.
DeleteInspired by the movie, I bought a silvery flapper dress today! Can't wait to style it.
My favorite movie is his first one, Strictly Ballroom. Like you, I've never read The Great Gatsby, so I want to see this movie. After seeing Moulin Rouge again recently though, I worry about how Baz tends to go over the top. I don't want non-stop spectacle, I want a story.
ReplyDeleteYou're right: he can get excessive, but he tempers that here. The beginning of the movie, with parties, is crazy, but the film settles down about 1/3 way in and from then on, it's pure story.
DeleteLike Val Sparkle, I loved Strictly Ballroom. I also loved The Great Gatsby as a book and as the original film, so I'm looking forward to seeing this version. xx
ReplyDeleteThere has been so much talk about this but you are the first person I know who has actually seen it. I want to see the fashion in it. I read the book at school but don't remember it too well since that was 7 years ago! Also watched that version of Romeo and Juliet at school, was certainly one of the more entertaining English classes.
ReplyDeleteoh I forgot to mention...I left you a comment on your post about missoni but thank you so much for drawing my attention to that and improving my knowledge of chevron print!
DeleteI actually liked it! I went for the fashion, but did enjoy the movie itself so that was great. I love DiCaprio and Mulligan did a great job too. It was a spectacle, but I expected that. ;-)
ReplyDelete-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
I loved his Romeo & Juliet and hated Moulin Rouge. I can't wait to see Gatsby. His over the top directing style should be perfect for this particular story. Gatsby's character is famous for his over the top excess-- almost like a showman or the ringleader of a circus. One of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait!!!
Plus, I love Leo :)
Becky
I read the book when I was a teenager and I found it boring. Now that I'm older, I might give it another try and might appreciate it more
ReplyDeleteI love Carey Mulligan too. Have you seen Never Let Me Go? Also, great and with Carey.
ReplyDeleteYes. I'm making it a point to see all of her films now.
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