The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby has long been a favourite story of mine. While I enjoyed the book in high school, I prefer the movie – which is typically never the case.  I still remember seeing it at the theatres. I went with my boyfriend at the time, and we were at the edge of our seats for the duration of the film. We went for coffee afterwards and could not stop talking about the characters, the plot, the “what ifs” we were thinking through. I’ve since have many conversations with others about the film, planned a gala event themed “Gatsby” and I never skip past the television station if it’s playing.

Set in Long Island, the movie is visually stimulating, with amazing costume design, high society style, bright colours and theatrics and extravagant parties. It takes place during the Jazz Age – which in turn produced an exceptional movie soundtrack. The first-person narrator Nick Carraway’s interactions with the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, intrigued me from the start. Gatsby’s ability to “wow” and interest Carraway draws the reader/viewer in immediately.

The movie has a strong spine: Once upon a time there was a writer named Nick Carraway. Every day, he lived his normal life. One day he met Gatsby. Because of that, Nick was emerged into an exciting life he had not known prior. Because of that, Nick and Gatsby become friends and Daisy Buchanan enters the picture. Until finally, drama ensues and no one is left with what they wanted by the end of the story.

In the 22 rules of storytelling, according to Pixar, #19 rule reads: Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are cheating. This resonates with me, as coincidence brings Gatsby closer to Daisy, but wrongdoings made by other characters bring the story to a tragic close.

Rule #15 reads: If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations. As the reader/viewer, I can feel Gatsby’s sorrow, despair surrounding his obsession to reunite with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan. It pulls at my heart strings, and feel myself in Gatsby’s shoes as he longs to be with the love of his life. I wish (every time I watch it) that the movie ended with Gatsby and Daisy reunited in love. Because it does not, is one of the reasons the movie has stuck with me for so long. We’ve all had relationships that have not worked out. Many of us can relate to the feeling of regret, a very relatable quality of Gatsby’s character.

Nick Carraway’s character is also relatable for me. He is kind, and sweet, leading the reader or viewer to like him immediately. He’s not had the life he sees Gatsby and Daisy have, and is swept off of his feet with the excitement of the way they live their lives. You can feel his vulnerability and hint of intimidation as he spends time with Daisy’s husband, attends parties and interacts with others living in that world.

Overall, this movie is very touching, and well construed, it’s certainly in my opinion F. Scott Fitzgerald’s best piece of work.