Director Baz Luhrmann brought writer F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel to life, through the works of talented actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, and Joel Edgerton. Luhrmann has a unique vision for the work he creates. In 1996, Luhrmann modernized one of William Shakespeare’s most tragic plays, Romeo and Juliet, which also starred DiCaprio. Everything in the film was up to date, except for the dialogue. In The Great Gatsby everything is set in the 1920’s except for the music. The film begins with Nick Carraway (Maguire) describing his life living next door to the great Jay Gatsby. He resides in a mental institution retelling the psychiatrist his tales of the lavish parties and luxurious life Gatsby charmed him with. But, the parties come to an end, and the beautiful life of millionaire Gatsby turns dark. Carraway can’t speak the pain and disgust he endured on Long Island that summer, so the doctor encourages him to write his narrative to give him solace, and thus begins The Great Gatsby.
