The Great Gatsby

Last night, my mom invited me to watch The Great Gatsby with her. She's recently revisited her love for movies on the big screen, which suits me well, as I've always loved a night at the cinema.

I was quite unaware of the magnitude that is The Great Gatsby, we didn't have it as prescribed reading in High School and so I blissfully went through life without giving it a thought. 

I saw, and went to many parties friends hosted with a 'Great Gatsby' theme, and to my uninformed mind it simply meant putting on a dress that swirls and sparkles in the light. That, complimented with a headband - and you were on your way.

That's the most I was interested in knowing about The Great Gatsby, until last night. 

I walked out of that cinema with a odd feeling, I couldn't quite put my figure on it, and I still can't. I suppose it is because I've taken several thoughts home with me after the movie. Themes I could relate to.

God looking down on us, seeing everything, flamboyant lives to cover up heartache and corruptness, and then there was hope - the single most important thing that Gatsby stands for, illustrated by that constant green light.

That story, so beautifully illustrated by director extraordinaire Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet & Moulin Rouge) illustrates the book beautifully through absolute and utter opulence. The costumes throughout the film, from the dancers, the guests, the men and most certainly the women have you breathless in each scene. 

The only thing better than the costumes are the elaborate set designs. Walls that are decorated like those of royal palaces, lawns as big as rugby fields and easy breezes that blows sheer curtains to look like light clouds passing the sun room. It simply leaves you in awe of that era and lifestyle.

In my opinion, this is what the movies should forever be like. For 2 hours and 20 min I was not in Cape Town, I was in the 1920's captivated by profound storytelling and illustration. I was anxious when he was anxious, I was sad when she was sad, I felt tolerant in some parts and questioned reasoning in others. 

The most truthful thing, and the single most important thing I took home after watching the movie, is one of the last lines the narrator speaks before the credits come up. He says: "He was living in a corrupted world, with a in corrupted dream". 

I cannot explain the wave of emotions, true meanings, and own truths you experience throughout this film. It is one of the best movies I have ever seen.

Now go see The Great Gatsby and be amazed. L