The Great Gatsby Trailers

Hi everyone,

For you interest, I have posted the trailers for the Great Gatsby for your enjoyment.  I want you to note the contrasts in tone, mood, and atmosphere as well as the overall focus.  Despite it being the exact same novel and very similar scripts, the two movies could not be further apart.

The Great Gatsby (1974) Trailer

Notice how the focus seems to be more on the love story between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.  It almost seems to ignore the message that Fitzgerald was trying to draw out for the reader, not focusing on the shallow aspects of the American Dream, nor the divide between Old Money, New Money, and No Money.  Unsurprisingly, the movie carries an overall approval rating of 37% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Now, compare that to Baz Luhrmann's 2013 version.

The Great Gatsby (2013) Trailer

The differences are striking.  This version almost focuses solely on what Fitzgerald was trying to show the reader when he wrote the book as well as including all of the important symbols and motifs.  Notice how there is mention of a relationship between Gatsby and Daisy, but you can tell by the trailer that there are mixed emotions.  We see the seediness and vanity of the 1920s as well as the excess.  We see the class divide, the glamour and the wealth.  We see the decay.  Also, note the title-cards in the trailer - presented in the very popular Art Deco style - over-the-top to the extreme, but poignant and apt for the age.

Critically, the movie did not fair much better only achieving a 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  What makes it even more frustrating is that it is said that the visual aspects of the film take away from the actual message of the original book.  I completely agree, though I do find the movie very entertaining.  But, we will be viewing Baz Luhrmann's version once we have completed the book.  This way, you can be the judge.

As a side note, there is a third version produced by A&E for television, starring Toby Stevens (Die Another Day), Paul Rudd (This is 40, Anchorman) and Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite).  I have not seen it, but if any of you are feeling ambitious, by all means, check it out.

Feel free to make comments on the blog about both.  We would really like to gauge your opinions.