“The Great Gatsby”: From The Silver Screen to a Broadway Opening
Happy Opening, Old Sport! “The Great Gatsby”, a musical adaptation featuring Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada, officially opened on Broadway last night April 25th! Set in the 1920s, the story follows the millionaire Jay Gatsby who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of the lost love of his youth, Daisy Buchanan. Come along with Aura as we look at the history of “The Great Gatsby” adaptations!
There have been several film adaptations of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel "The Great Gatsby." One of the most notable adaptations is the 2013 film directed by Baz Luhrmann. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway, this visually stunning adaptation captures the glamour and excess of the Jazz Age. Baz Luhrmann's signature style, characterized by lavish sets, elaborate costumes, and contemporary music, infuses the film with energy and spectacle. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was praised for its performances, particularly DiCaprio's portrayal of Gatsby, as well as its visual style and soundtrack. Despite some criticisms, the 2013 adaptation remains a popular and memorable interpretation of Fitzgerald's timeless novel.
The 1974 version of "The Great Gatsby," directed by Jack Clayton, offers a more subdued and traditional approach compared to Baz Luhrmann's flashy 2013 adaptation. Starring Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan, this adaptation captures the decadence and disillusionment of the 1920s with an elegant visual style and faithful adherence to the source material. While it received mixed reviews initially, it has since gained appreciation for its charismatic performances and atmospheric cinematography, providing a more restrained and introspective interpretation of Fitzgerald's classic novel.
Although The New York Times stated the Broadway adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” possessed “winsome”, it was also “ultimately underwhelming” (Collins-Hughes, The New York Times, 2024). However, other sources praise the lavish technical elements as well as Mr. Jordan’s portrayal of the iconic Jay Gatsby. Due to the rights becoming public domain, American Repertory Theater also premieres a new musical of “The Great Gatsby” this upcoming spring.
What’s your favorite version of “The Great Gatsby”? If you’re feeling inspired to create your next project (perhaps an adaption!), click here to collaborate with Aura!
Written by Whitney Hisako Moore
