The Great Gatsby (1974)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

Jack Clayton

Writers:

Francis Ford Coppola (screenplay)
F. Scott Fitzgerald (novel)

Release Date:

29 March 1974 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Gone is the romance that was so divine.

Plot:

Nick Carraway, a young Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor...

Plot Keywords:

Obsession | Tragedy | Ring | Dance Scene | Abusive Boyfriend

Awards:

Won 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Robert Redford	...	Jay Gatsby
Mia Farrow	...	Daisy Buchanan
Bruce Dern	...	Tom Buchanan
Karen Black	...	Myrtle Wilson
Scott Wilson	...	George Wilson
Sam Waterston	...	Nick Carraway
Lois Chiles	...	Jordan Baker
Howard Da Silva	...	Meyer Wolfsheim
Roberts Blossom	...	Mr. Gatz
Edward Herrmann	...	Klipspringer
Elliott Sullivan	...	Wilson's Friend
Arthur Hughes	...	Dog Vendor
Kathryn Leigh Scott	...	Catherine
Beth Porter	...	Mrs. McKee
Paul Tamarin	...	Mr. McKee

Runtime:

144 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:12 (re-rating) (2003) | UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (video rating) | Portugal:M/12 | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:11 | USA:PG | Australia:PG | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

5th Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

Supposedly Natalie Wood was an early contender for the role of Daisy but she allegedly became furious when the producers insisted on a screen test since the actress hadn't been in a movie for over 5 years. She balked and negotiations ended.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Tom smacks Myrtle her shirt is off her shoulder on one side. In the next shot showing the blood coming from her nose her shirt is back up where it belongs.

Quotes:

Nick Carraway: There was music from my neighbor's house through those summer nights. In his enchanted gardens, men and girls came and went like moths, among the whispering and the champagne and the stars. I believe that few people were actually invited to these parties. They just went. They got into automobiles that bore them out to Long Island, and somehow they ended up at Gatsby's door. Come for the party with a simplicity of heart that was it's own ticket of admission.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Gossip Girl: The Age of Dissonance (#2.18)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

Charleston Back to Charleston

Disturbing story of idle-rich during the Roaring 20s

This lavish Hollywood treatment of the Classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel is a visual and acoustic delight. Nelson Riddle's spellbinding score and the many brilliant camera shots capturing the splendor of an age of excesses and indulgences make for engaging entertainment. Still, the dark story will leave the viewer numb at the eventual (bitter) end. A young Mia Farrow and Robert Redford in the leads, along with excellent performances by Scott Wilson and Bruce Dern, as well as the 70s "femme fatal" staple Karen Black round out the top, with what seems to be hundreds of colorful "flapper" and servant extras in the cast. Everyone fortunate enough to be born or married or mistressed into money is living the "life", not caring about anyone and anything other than fun, fun, fun.

A series of indiscretions (by just about everyone) culminates in the "just desserts", and several deaths. The fact that life of the high and mighty seems to go on without skipping a beat, regardless of anyone's recklessness or involvement, is the tough lesson the author seems to aim for. Without conscience, what have we? All the money will not replace human emotions, though the cash seems to easily take their place. But didn't we have fun....