After
screening the 2013 version of "The Great Gatsby", I can say that
I enjoyed this version more than the 1974 "The Great Gatsby". Both
films were mainly based off of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel "The Great
Gatsby” which gave us an guideline on how each film was probably going to play
out which allowed us to observe closer to which version of the film adapted
more from the original source. Personally I think the 2013 version adapted a
lot more from the novel. If I were to say what type of adaptation was done I
would probably say it was a traditional adaptation in terms from the original
source of the novel. One of the biggest scenes from both films that expressed
this is when Nick first met Gatsby. The 2013 version stayed true to the novel
by having a similar meeting of Gatsy and Nick as the 1974 version didn't. I
like to think that we watch the 1974 version prior to the 2013 one so we could
point out more scenes that the 1974 version did not adapt.
Some
parts of the novel that the film translates really well is the scenes going
back in forth from Gatsby to Tom's house. I observed these scenes towards the
beginning of the film just how the novel describes it. While watching this part
of the film, it felt like I was watching a quick and glamorous trailer for the
film since the scenes jumped around with the use of the 3D effect. But I
noticed later that this effect and use of jumping around really complimented
how the novel was told. I think that the 2013 version had the advantage of
illustrating a lot of scenes due to the use of special effects that the 1974
did not. As we discussed in class about the chronological order and
psychological order, this really displayed the use of chronological order that
reading a novel can't really illustrate. Overall the 2013 version really
‘spiced’ up the use of dramatics with the use of effects such as the Nick’s
animated handwriting that was used throughout the film to create a great
visual.
Another
big thing that stuck out to me about the 2013 version is that we finally figure
out where, how, and why Nick is narrating this story. I don’t recall the 1974
version really showing where, how, why Nick was narrating the story. Showing
this part of the story really made the plot better creating a different view on
the narration throughout the film. As far as the film relating to my faith, the
obvious love affair conflicted with my faith. But since I’m sure marriages were
treated a lot different back in the 1920s, the affair is a big part of the
story so I guess that his shows the gratitude that a love affair has on people.
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| This scene is one of the biggest adaptations scene that stood out to me as the 2013 version stayed true to the meeting scene of Nick and Gatsby. |
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| This is a screen shot from Nick located at the doctor's office where we find out where Nick is narrating this story adding a lot to the feel of the 2013 version of this film. |
I totally agree that technological advances gave the 2013 version a ridiculously unfair advantage in conveying certain aspects of the story. I would, however, question the idea that 2013 was more literal than 1974. I think 1974 was true to the text. I do agree that there were some questionable omissions, but what remained was painfully literal. Both versions took some liberties, but, in my opinion, can both be considered literal adaptations. I think some of the dramatic effects of 2013 went along way in conveying Fitzgerald's writing, sometimes even transcending it. For me, 2013 was far and away a better film, some of the musical choices not withstanding. And, if I had to put my finger on one thing, I would say it was Dicaprio's performance. He absolutely nailed Gatsby, which is the one character who absolutely needs to be nailed for this adaptation to work. Redford was 1974's biggest problem.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the 2013 version use of special effects was better suited and drew in the audience. I feel it was exaggerated for the times for the enjoyment of the audience and not further the storyline along. The 2013 version followed the novel for the most part, also, the 1974 part also followed the novel with some aspects. For example the 1974 version had the dog scene in it where Tom buys the dog for Myrtle and calls the dog a bitch. This gives us a better awareness of the relationship between Myrtle and Tom, and how Tom really sees the female sex.
ReplyDeleteGood post and resulting discussion. I appreciate the ways that you have compared and contrasted the two films. You examine some key scenes to ground your contrasts of these films. Debbie notes some important omissions that I hadn't considered! Great discussion.
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