Baz Luhrmann The Great Gatsby Film Adaptation (AO5)

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  • Created by: lwilson23
  • Created on: 13-02-19 12:02

Key Points

- the 'green light' referenced at the end of the book is featured right at the beginning of the movie - could potentially foreshadow that whatever it represents is unattainable despite seeming so close. 

- Tom is shown to treat black servants in a derogatory fashion - and openly express his racist views when they are present. The arrogance of the white upper class man is displayed. 

- Nick is writing the book in a sanitorium as his discussion of Gastby seems to be some form of therapy with a doctor - this interpretation may be discussed. 

- the women in the film (Jordan/the girls at Gatsby's parties especially) wear short dresses and drink/smoke - representation of the flapper movement which originated in the 1920s. 

- Gastby wearing a white suit when he first meets Daisy may be reflective of rebirth or just his general happiness. 

- whenever the Valley of Ashes appears as a setting, the eyes of Eckleburg are always shown watching (ramped up to 11 in Myrtle's death scene). 

- unlike in the novel - Tom attempts to remain stoic during Myrtle's death scene - no connection.  

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Key Points Continued

- the reckless way Gastby drives throughout the novel (during his chapter 4 excursion to New York with Nick for example) could potentially foreshadow Myrtle's death. 

- the final time Nick sees Gatsby before his death Gatsby is bathed in sunlight - reflective of the 'son of God' statement in chapter 6 and Gatsby's mythic qualities. 

- when Nick visits Gatsby's house after his death there is a constant alternation between flashbacks and present day, but one thing still persists, the green light. There is always hope

- Interestingly, Baz Lurmann - the director of the film, stated that the Nick and Jordan's romance arc was for the most part omitted due to audiences not understanding the slightly confused nature of their relationship. 

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