Great literature is seldom adapted in great film. Even the works hailed as Great American Novel aren’t exception to this rule. The Great Gatsby, 1925 novel by Francis Scott Fitzgerald which is recognised as masterpiece and ultimate depiction of Jazz Age, was never properly adapted by Hollywood. The last film, for example, is nowadays best known as source of popular Internet meme than particularly memorable cinema experience. Same could be said for the 1974 version, directed by Jack Clayton, which is arguably the most faithful of all adaptations.
The plot is set in 1920s New York and begins with the arrival of writer Nick Carraway (played by Sam Waterstone) to Long Island. He came there to visit his cousin Daisy Buchanan (played by Mia Farrow) and her wealthy husband Tom (played by Bruce Dern). He soon finds that one of his neighbours is Jay Gatsby (played by Robert Redford), mysterious but apparently very wealthy figure which throws spectacular parties at his mansion, very popular and well-attended by New York elite. Carraway also discovers that Gatsby and Daisy used to be lovers in their youth, when Gatsby was poor. Gatsby, who had in the mean time gained wealth through often not so honourable means, wants to restart relationship. It is also revealed that obnoxious and arrogant Tom is having an affair with Myrtle (played by Karen Black), wife of his impoverished car mechanic. This seems to help Gatsby in his attempts to win Daisy back, but it is Myrtle who ultimately starts chain of events that would result in tragedy.
Made half a century after the novel’s literary debut, Clayton’s version of The Great Gatsby recreated the world of Roaring Twenties with the great care about period detail. Apart from costumes and props, the world of Jazz Age is brought to modern audience with the very good musical score of Nelson Riddle, which takes inspiration from the biggest pop hits of the era. Cinematography of Douglas Slocombe, on the other hand, tries to create misplaced feelings of nostalgia with its strong uses of soft tones. The cast is good in most cases, which includes Mia Farrow who is convincing object of desire despite heavy make up and script forcing her to act too melodramatically. Redford, despite appearing at the very height of his New Hollywood stardom, lacks charisma and chemistry with Farrow. The greatest disservice to The Great Gatsby is given by Clayton’s uninspired direction. Although 1974 film fares well in inevitable comparison with 2013 version, viewers interested in quality depiction of Jazz Age should either read the novel and watch other films set in the same period.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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