MOVIE MONDAYS: THE GREAT GATSBY
Happy Bank Holiday Monday!!
I am sure for those of you that are on half-term this probably doesn't mean much but for those that are sitting exams and working, this day is probably a little slice of heaven. I finished my exams last Tuesday and have spent the last few days catching up on life outside of uni work. On the actual day I finished my last exam- which was a fairly ok paper- I decided to treat myself.
A friend of mine came to town to celebrate the end of uni with me. The first stop was the Cornerhouse, a lovely art house along Oxford road, to have a hot cup of the beverage of our choice. In the 4 years I have been in Manchester I had never stepped through those doors so I thought it was only fitting to go in that day. I decided to have hot chocolate with cream AND marshmallows. Don't worry, I signed up at a local gym the next day as I plan to start my healthy living properly now- I am still having my green smoothies.
This is by far the best hot chocolate I have had in a cafe. The marshmallows were the ish! And I was so pleased with myself because I didn't spill anything down the sides of the cup. I am finally mature enough to drink stuff in public!! Lol. After that we had Mc Dondald's for lunch and then headed off to the cinema to see: The Great Gatsby.
I have been waiting patiently for this movie since I found out it was Carey Mulligan's new project a couple years ago. And then when I realised Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire were also to star in the movie I could hardly contain my excitement.
I cannot tell you if the movie stayed true to the book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald as I have not read it; I am going to get my copy of it as soon as I go into town on my 'Book Day'. What I can tell you, however, are my thoughts on this particular adaptation of the book as Baz Luhrmann's own work.
I found the film funny, vibrant and very interesting. It was filled with so much colour, sides to life and powerful emotions. The costumes were amazing. The hairstyles were inspiring. And the music was...not to my liking unfortunately. It was the only aspect of the movie that I was not all that happy with. Don't get me wrong, I liked the idea of using modern day songs in the Jazz age era but at some point in the movie, it overpowered the story itself. I dunno. Maybe I am exaggerating. But that is what ticked me off. The instrumental songs were beautiful though, so it was all good in the end.
The characters were all equally flamboyant. Isla Fisher starred as Myrtle Wilson, a passionate woman that felt trapped in her current situation. Joel Edgerton played the role of Tom Buchanan, a former footballer with old money in his deeeep pockets. Carey Mulligan was cast as Daisy Buchanan, a beautiful woman who was loved by many but only a few knew her true nature. Leonardo DiCaprio was the infamous Jay Gatsby, a delusional romantic that was resourceful when it came to things that he really wanted. Elizabeth Debicki starred as Jordan Baker, a mysterious girly tomboy that had her wits about her. Tobey Maguire was cast as Nick Carraway, a war veteran that was fortunate enough to get to know the real versions of the people he surrounded himself with.
The film as a whole was great I think. I was captivated by the lives of the characters and was also able to appreciate the cars, locations and costumes that gave the film its edge. It was directed by Baz Luhrmann and the screenplay was written by Craig Pearce and Baz Luhrmann. If you are looking for something to watch at the cinema, this would a good choice.
But, if I do hear the phrase 'old sport' again, I may do something remotely violent. If you watch the movie, you will know what I mean lol.
Till next time!
Luv, Mo
xx