The Great Gatsby
| 2013Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Main Plot
"The Great Gatsby," directed by Baz Luhrmann, is a visually stunning adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story follows Nick Carraway, a young and aspiring writer who moves to Long Island and becomes neighbors with the enigmatic and wealthy Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is known for his extravagant parties and mysterious background. As Nick becomes entangled in Gatsby's world, he learns about Gatsby's obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan, a married woman from his past. The film explores themes of ambition, love, and the American Dream, set against a backdrop of opulence and decadence. Through Nick's eyes, the audience witnesses the unraveling of Gatsby's grand illusions and the tragic consequences of his relentless pursuit of an unattainable dream. The film combines contemporary music with period visuals, creating a unique and immersive experience that captures the essence of the Jazz Age.
Characters
- Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who throws lavish parties to reunite with his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
- Carey Mulligan plays Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy, beautiful woman and Gatsby's former lover, whose choices and relationships drive much of the story's conflict and themes.
- Joel Edgerton plays Tom Buchanan, a wealthy, arrogant man who is Daisy's husband and Gatsby's rival, driving much of the story's conflict.
Ending Explained
In Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," the film concludes with the tragic death of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is shot by George Wilson, who believes Gatsby was driving the car that killed his wife, Myrtle. In reality, Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby's love, was driving the car. After killing Gatsby, Wilson takes his own life. Nick Carraway, Gatsby's neighbor and the story's narrator, is left to arrange Gatsby's funeral. Despite Gatsby's lavish parties and numerous acquaintances, almost no one attends the funeral, highlighting the superficial nature of the relationships Gatsby cultivated. Daisy and Tom Buchanan, who are responsible for much of the chaos and tragedy, leave town without facing any consequences. Disillusioned by the moral decay and empty pursuit of wealth he witnessed, Nick returns to the Midwest. He reflects on Gatsby's unwavering hope and dreams, ultimately concluding that Gatsby's tragic flaw was his idealistic pursuit of an unattainable dream. The film ends with Nick finishing his manuscript, titling it "The Great Gatsby," as a tribute to his enigmatic friend.