I know, I know. I'm hardly original in feeling the need to write about The Great Gatsby this week. But who isn't excited about going to see it this weekend?? I'm probably going to go to the midnight showing on Thursday, which I haven't done since the last Harry Potter film came out. I might actually be inspired enough to dress thematically appropriate for this one, though. (No Potter glasses, fake scars, or Griffindor scarves here.)
At this point, it might be too late in the game for me to try rereading it before I go, but then I also have mixed feelings about whether or not I'd even like to go in with a fresh reread in my mind. I have a feeling that it will better capture the mood and spirit of the book than the 1974 version was able to do. Not that the Robert Redford version was bad by any means, but - well, a little slow.
As I was able to do - with only a few brief winces as unnecessary liberties were taken - I was able to enjoy the Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly (at times even more than the 1995 version with Colin Firth*), because it had more of the emotion and rhythm I always felt when reading the novel.
Back to Gatsby, though - what do you think of the music?** I think it's interesting (albeit unoriginal) that they've remixed more modern music with hints of jazz in an attempt to draw in the younger crowds who might not have gone out of reverence for Fitzgerald alone.
But then again, the cast itself might have accomplished what the music will probably do for ticket sales. I think that DiCaprio will be the perfect Gatsby, Mulligan the perfect Daisy, and Maguire the perfect Nick. I'm also sincerely hoping that this role will give DiCaprio the chance for an award - at long last. Maybe I'm prejudiced, but has anyone else ever thought that he has been overlooked in an almost shameful way? There isn't anyone who could doubt that he has come a long way since Titanic, consistently putting out stellar performances year after year. Well, time will tell. I'm sure that even with all of my opinions, there's a reason that I haven't been asked for them by anyone important.
-Kathrine
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*Don't hate me, all you purists!! In my defense, I do think that Firth was the better Darcy.
**NPR had a preview of the album up on it's website, which was cool, although now they've removed the audio. If you'd still like to read their review of it, click here.
