Original and Remake: The Great Gatsby

August's Original and Remake is The Great Gatsby. It is based on the 1925 book of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. There have been several adaptations both on the big and small screen but for this post I am focusing on the 1974 and 2013 adaptations. 

The Great Gatsby (1974)

Directed By: Jack Clayton

Starring: Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Bruce Dern

Running Time: 146 Minutes

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Directed By: Baz Luhrmann

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Toby Maguire

Running Time: 142 Minutes

If I'm being completely honest with you I really prefer the 2013 version to the 1974 version. The first time I saw the '74 version I fell asleep and after giving it another chance I was bored throughout the whole thing. There was pretty scenery but that's about it. Frankly, while Robert Redford is very handsome and he was a good actor I just feel like Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jay Gatsby to the point he is Gatsby. I also prefer Carey as Daisy, she isn't as willowy as Mia is. I feel like Robert and Mia didn't have a lot of chemistry. Toby Maguire who plays Nick Carraway is good and he and Leo have a lot of chemistry so it plays off naturally. I love the scenery and sets, they are beautiful and really set the tone. The costumes are gorgeous and are fitting for the Roaring Twenties. I absolutely love the soundtrack, especially Lana Del Rey's Young and Beautiful. So if I'm going to recommend one version it's the 2013 one. Also, if you've never read the book,  The Great Gatsby it's worth reading at least once, it is a classic after all. 

Until Next Time,

Ashley A.