A Script Full of Money?

"The Great Gatsby" by Movie Lord Productions

The American Dream, for what it is worth, provides both the world’s most alluring fantasy, as well as some of the more illustrious stories to come out of, so to say, the woodwork. I suppose no one would know this with more comprehension then Jay Gatsby, confident, attractive, debonair, yet alas, phony Jay Gatsby. But, to quote Breakfast at Tiffany’s, he is a real phony, right down to the quite (and apparently surprisingly) authentic books he holds in his library. The novel, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was first introduced to me a year ago. I read it, and like much of the literary world was stunned. Since then, I have re-read it countless times and have wondered, oh so curiously and apprehensively distressed over how a film version would fare. It came out as expected in some areas, unexpected, though not necessarily poorer, in others; faithful as a loyal dog, not “messing up”, an informal phrase transformed to proper criticism with the wave of Hollywood adaptations, the story, all the central themes, but holding to them dear, adding a nice twist of more modern styles. A point of concern though, was holding to the story so tight a strong attachment to the original source, and thus, noble; or was it a life raft to which detouring from led to impounding doom? Or was it both?

As I have said, the style is quite updated, at least, to undermine it, slightly bulked up. Though, do not let this pry you from that sweet and distant feeling of the past. It is there. Using nice clothing mentions, wording choices, and other such detail, we feel, not transported, but at least sharing of a common familiarity with the period it was meant to take place in. Using this as a backbone, the characters seemed vivid and, to strike a note of pessimism, coldly bona fide, with the shocking revelation of having words that mean things and plot details that go a bit below the surface. And for what does this film deserve credit? Where does the originality of this remake take hold? It gave us the facts, somewhat abridged and looser, and for that, the ability to lend others access to this story without the novel format and wordiness of a book, it succeeds. I cannot give it much more then that though.

Knowing that this is derived from somewhat older literature, and that it is so close to the book as to be a condensed account, I cannot find it in myself to recommend this film to everyone. I wholeheartedly advocate the book, and it should be read, but with that currently out, I see this as only a “if you don’t have the time”. I had the time, and so this is hard for me to distinguish book from film, as a bias forms, but trying the best I can possibly do, I must say, read the book, then read the film as a well meaning reminder about the true beauty and soul that rests in the story.

As for description, though, and for the written dialogue, it holds up well; quite well, as a matter as fact, and seeing a few lines change makes me smile to note the work that had went into this project, and the heart. I cannot fully condemn something that is so close to devotion to its own source, since then, a fan of the novel, I would be reined inconsistent. I can though, make a point in case that the two are identical, and simply a rehashing of a fine tale. It is just that, but luckily for the film, the tale is one to be rehashed over and over, never getting tiresome.

Overall, I am happy to see this novel getting fair recognition with an adaptation loyal to it, and in this, considerably worthy of it, to a point. I cease to see the significance behind the film, or what, save for the book’s blatant message, it could be saying. Perhaps an appreciation for literature? A love for the fine things in life? Perhaps, but perhaps not. The film, thus, becomes what its main character has been; an attractive, confident phony.