Review: The Great Gatsby

 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

 

 Here's my review of The Great Gatsby: 

    When I first read this book in high school, I was blown away. I just thought everything about this book was so beautiful, from the setting, to it's and characters and poignant themes. Even though the novel was published in 1925, the story seemed so relevant, so relatable. Yes, there are topics about money, social class, and obviously The American Dream. The one that impacted me the most was the latter. It can be heavily seen in Jay Gatsby in his dream for love and the green light that symbolized it. Of course everyone thinks about their past and wonders what if? What if they made a different choice or turned right instead of left, would their lives be changed? These are some of the questions people ponder from time to time. However it's certain individuals, like Gatsby, who are lost in their past and can't move on to their future. They believe they can recreate their past into what they always imagined, but this is just a fantastical mirage they have dreamt in their minds. In the book, Gatsby says, “Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!” This is just the perfect example of his hopefulness or shall I say hoplessness? It's impossible to change your past, because it's irreversible and you can't go back. Perhaps this idealistic quality is what makes Gatsby so admirable. He has hopes and he has dreams, even though they may never come true, he never stops believing in them. This sets him apart from others, and I believe it's what makes him real and human. He's unique in this way, and very much unlike his counterparts in the novel. Daisy and Tom, well they're true colors definitely are seen at the end of the novel. Careless, snobbish, and fake, they are never able to redeem their actions, but they don't need to. This is how Fitzgerald portrays them and this is who they are. Nick, on the other hand, appears to be better than these two but is he really? He calls himself the most honest person he knows. However, who actually says this about themselves? It's almost as if Nick is trying to convince himself he is honest and reliable, even though he may not be. Maybe Nick's account of Gatsby isn't all true and authentic then, but I hope it is. I really do. Gatsby is man who I wish was real. He's a person I would want to meet. I'm envious I'll never be able to witness one of those rare smiles. You know, the ones that make you feel like you belong, that you're understood, and that someone believes in you. Yeah that's the kind of smile I wish to receive one day. It's the one I dream about, and if Gatsby has taught me anything, I'll never stop dreaming either.

 

     I would also recommend seeing the film version that was just released this year, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Luhrmann's previous work includes Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet. If you've seen these films, then you know they are very bold, extravegant, and filled with style. So you should definitely expect all of these qualities in this version of Gatsby. Some people were turned off by the modern music used in the film, but I actually enjoyed it. After all, isn't The Great Gatsby about blending the old with the new? There is surely a conflict of interest between old money and new money. I see this "new" music as a perfect addition to the movie. It clearly demonstrates these themes in a unique way, and they're actually good too! Lana Del Rey's "Young And Beautiful" is chilling and haunting. The emotions perfectly capture the romance between Gatsby and Daisy. If you listen to one song from the film's soundtrack, this would be it. I've heard it could even gain some awards for Best Original Song. I can't wait to see if it will get nominated! Most of the award nominations, like the Golden Globes, get announced next week! I'll definitely make a post if it does, to let all of you know. Anyways here's the trailer for those who haven't seen the film yet. I really enjoyed it. It was a little different from the book, but I think it embodies the predominant themes and symbols. Also, it expands from the novel, and lifts the story to new heights. You surely haven't see Gatsby like this before. 

Also, here's Lana Del Rey's "Young and Beautiful":