Cocaine Princess here.
About a year ago, I blogged an entry about Baz Lurhman’s remake of The Great Gatsby with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role of Jay Gatsby. The entry was posted on May 25th 2012. The trailer had been released a few days earlier with the film scheduled to open on Christmas Day. Then word came out the film's release date had been delayed by 5 long months. Finally that day has arrived, May 10th 2013. Excuse me while I do my happy dance......okay, I'm back.
I can't remember the last time I've been this excited about seeing a movie and I don't know why unless a severe case of Gatsby Fever has taken over me. So far the reviews from critics who caught a special screening have not been kind. According to most the movie is doomed to fail. Here's what been written:
The cardinal sin of this new "Gatsby" is that it’s dull.
Gatsby is rarely moving, and that's a major flaw for a movie that drags on for two-and-a-half hours.
The Great Gatsby" is an immortal American tragedy but gets lost in Luhrmann’s flash and dazzle.
Why is it in 3D?
I don't understand why there's so much hatred going on for the film? Could it be because some classic films should not be remade or could the reason be that many feel no one can hold a candle to both Robert Redford or Mia Farrow? I've seen the original and to be honest I preferred the book. One of the major criticisms stems from the movie's soundtrack. A movie set in the roaring 20's with Jay-Z rapping? Hmm, perhaps director Baz Lurhmann's 2013 version is for a new generation?
Last week npr.org streamed the entire soundtrack. I didn't care for Back to Black sung by Beyoncé and Andre 3000. No one can sing the song with depth or emotion like the late singer Amy Winehouse but I thought Jack White did a great job covering U2's Love Is Blindness and Lana Del Rey's Young and Beautiful is pure perfection. It's hard to say which song I liked the best however if I had to choose it would be Emeli Sandé featuring Bryan Ferry Orchestra's cover of Crazy In Love. Take a listen to the jazzy interpretation:
What I'm particularly interested in for obvious reasons of course are the decadent clothes and jewels seen throughout the film. Paying homage to the Art Deco style that was widely popular during the roaring 20's, Tiffany & Co not only provided the brilliant jewels but have released a collection for jewelery lovers. Click here if you have $220,000 to spare to purchase The Savoy Headpiece Daisy Buchanan wears.
The fabulous womens outfits designed by Prada feature all the 1920's fashion clichés: drop-waisted, rhinestone-encrusted, fringed dresses and jewel-toned, sequined accessories and although the outfits worn by the actors in the film have been described as a Princeton reunion I'm really liking the dapper looking suits. Gatsby's costume designer Catherine Martin worked in collaboration with Brooks Brothers who like Tiffany's has launched a limited edition retail collection, The Great Gatsby Line. Click here to view their collection or if you're interested in buying one of their outfits. Can any of my male readers picture themselves in a pink linen suit? Guys, forget Don Draper, it's all about Jay Gatsby old sport!
Even though his legacy will remain it's unfortunate that F. Scott Fitzgerald didn't live long enough to see his novel become one of the Greatest American Classics, so in his honor I raise my Gin Rickey and salute F. Scott.
If you recall The Great Gatsby is filled with signs and symbols and one major symbol is the Green Light at the end of Daisy’s dock. To Gatsby the green light represents his dream, which is Daisy. My Lovelies, what is your green light?
Tomorrow night I'll be seeing Leo in all his greatness. I'm literally bursting at the seams.
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My loyal and dear readers, it's finally Friday.
Whatever your plans are have a loving weekend. ~x
XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess
9 comments:
I hope it lives up to your hopes, Miss Princess. I think you'll like it better than the critics because you're so appreciative of the visual elements, which is something modern movies normally do well. The master of making a movie look spectacular is Ridley Scott, but he's more into sets than costumes.
Gorilla Bananas at 2:17,
I hope so too.
Ridley Scott's made some great films.
My Green Light? A dome house in the middle of nowhere, with peace and quiet and a canopy of stars at night. I am working toward it.
I am not in a hurry to see Gatsby. It is a difficult work to put on film, and won't do well since it does not have space aliens and crashing helicopters. I will probably watch it on pay per view when it comes out, just to see the production design and the set decorations, which look impressive. (but a rap soundtrack? puhlease.....)
The book's popularity is just from all those english teachers who keep assigning it in 10th Grade Lit class. The story itself really falls apart.
Bruce Johnson at 1:56,
It's going up against Iron Man 3.
I don't know why critics are bashing the soundtrack. The film "A Knight's Tale" with Heath Ledger, a movie set in the 14th century featured music from AC/DC and David Bowie.
I was looking to see what movies were playing this weekend yesterday. However, since the weather has turned pretty I think I will work in my garden instead this weekend. Working on getting a rose bush planted.
But do tell me what ur thoughts are on the movie next week please.
I have never seen the old movie version nor read the book.
I looked at the movie trailer. The costumes, jewels, fashion, and settings are worth watching the movie.
Have a blessed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Miss Stormy Marples at 4:45pm,
I most definitely will.
Thank you & have a wonderful weekend too.
I heard watching The Great Gatsby in 3D was like having someone puke fruit loops onto your glasses.
Stephanie Iris at 1:41,
Saw the film last night & it was amazing! Luved every second of it. Thanks for stopping by & for the comment.
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