The 2013 film version of The Great Gatsby offers everyone a great story, even for those that have not read the novel. The film compares to the novel, but also offers some additional emphasis and provides some meaning in different ways.
All of the stylistic aspects and motifs in the novel are clearly depicted in the film. Worthy of praise, but easily ignored by those who have not read the book. This happens in all literature to film adaptations, but Fitzgerald's heavy use of symbolism isn't depicted clearly in Luhrmann's use of cinema symbolism. It seems to get lost in translation.
The biggest change in the film is the way that Nick tells the story. He is telling it from the future and the novel doesn't clue up to that version. He is in a mental institution with serve depression and heavy drinking problems and is telling the story, or writing the story, to his therapist. This is a major change, but clears up any confusion that a movie goer may have in terms of who is narrating and who he is. Luhrmann successfully bridges the gap between the avid readers and the casual movie viewers, and everyone in between.
The readers are pleased to see his faithfulness to a story filled with symbolism. The green light, the eyes, and the flowers are depicted clearly; however, the aspects that are found only in the narrative text are left out on occasion.
This movie is great and all film adaptations receive criticism due to budgets and time, leaving special parts of the book out of the movie. The plot line is simple and as are the characters, all of these things are transferred effectively. The contrast between some lacking motifs in the movie and the excessive motifs in the book leave a gray area and vast differences.
