Baz Luhrman brings The Great Gatsby to the big screen in 3D with lavish sets, amazing looking costumes and a style of film making style that only Baz Luhrman himself seems to posses.

The classic book by F. Scott Fitzgerald of the story of a Midwesterner Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) who is taken in to the world of the lavish parties and lifestyle of his neighbour Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), but there is more than meets the eye with his neighbour and the reason behind his riches.

The Great Gatsby – Lavish and Spectacular

One of the first things that you notice with The Great Gatsby is it’s use of its cinematography, it’s quite and Baz Luhrman certainly has a way of showing flair when it comes to these types of films, it’s not as over the top as Moulin Rouge, but it still has that feel of something different from other movies.

The colour palette used is also noticeable, even in 3D  where the brightness drops once the glasses are put on, some of the scenes have a slightly dreamy feel with the vibrant colours and other scene seems to be washed, showing a difference between the rich lifestyles and the slum areas.

Luhrman has taken the context of the book and used the descriptions very well and most of the dialogue, the story is told through the writings of Nick Carraway and his narrative is throughout the film, even to the point of his typewriter appearing to type letters in the clouds and on the screen in other places, it’s all very dreamy.

As I mentioned the cinematography is amazing throughout The Great Gatsby is beautiful, everything is shot very well and the 3D is put to good use with scenes such as the lavish parties working extremely well, with the streamers, balloons and party revelers all having a good field of depth, look out for the snow towards the beginning of the film.

My only issue with the film is Toby Maguire seems lack-lustre in his role and all I could think was that he acted exactly the same way in Spider-Man, not sure if that is just me or Maguire in general, voice over great, on-screen not so much.

Leonardo DiCaprio is brilliant as Gatsby, he seemed to fit the part perfectly with his looks and the way he moved through each scene, I do have to say that over the years, DiCaprio has become better in the roles that he has been given, I’ve never actually been a big fan of his, but he has grown on me.

Overall Thoughts For The Great Gatsby 3D

The Great Gatsby is an enjoyable film, the cinematography looks great, the soundtrack works very well during the film and Leonardo DiCaprio proves that over the years, he has gone from strength.

The 3D works well and isn’t totally in your face, giving it more depth making it a joy to watch more than a 3D extravaganza.

Rating:

Karen Woodham

Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.

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