The Great Gatsby (2013 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Baz Luhrmann |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Romantic drama film |
The Great Gatsby is a 2013 period romantic drama film adapted from the 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Directed and co-written by Baz Luhrmann, the movie stars an ensemble cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, and Elizabeth Debicki. Production took place in Australia between September and December 2011, with a net budget of $105 million. The narrative centers around wealthy Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio) and his neighbor Nick Carraway (Maguire) amid the extravagant social gatherings of the Jazz Age on Long Island, New York.
Critical reception was divided, as reviewers offered mixed opinions on its visual presentation, direction, screenplay, acting, music, and faithfulness to the source material. Nevertheless, audiences generally responded favorably, and Fitzgerald's granddaughter expressed approval, commenting that "Scott would have been proud." By 2023, it stands as Luhrmann's most financially successful film, grossing over $353 million globally. At the 86th Academy Awards, it secured wins for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
Plot
In December 1929, World War I veteran Nick Carraway, currently receiving psychiatric care, begins to recount the tale of Jay Gatsby, whom he regards as the most hopeful individual he has ever encountered. Prompted by his physician, Nick sets out to document these memories.
Seven years earlier, during the summer of 1922, Nick relocates from the Midwest to New York City and rents a modest cottage in West Egg next door to Gatsby's opulent estate. Gatsby is an enigmatic businessman known for hosting extravagant parties. Nick visits his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her authoritative husband Tom in East Egg. Daisy introduces him to Jordan Baker, a well-known golfer. Upon returning home, Nick observes Gatsby reaching toward a green light across the bay at the Buchanans' dock.
Tom drives Nick to the industrial Valley of Ashes and collects his mistress Myrtle Wilson from her husband George’s garage. Nick receives an invitation to one of Gatsby’s gatherings where he encounters Jordan and Gatsby himself. Gatsby takes Nick to Manhattan for lunch, claiming an Oxford education and war hero status from a wealthy Midwestern background. At a speakeasy, Gatsby introduces Nick to his business associate Meyer Wolfsheim.
Jordan discloses that Gatsby, formerly a U.S. Army captain, began courting Daisy in 1917 and remains deeply in love with her; his parties are intended to draw her attention. Gatsby requests that Nick arrange a tea meeting with Daisy. After an initially awkward reunion, Gatsby and Daisy begin an affair. Gatsby insists Daisy must officially divorce Tom before they can run away together. They plan to confront Tom at the Buchanan residence. During lunch, Tom becomes suspicious but Daisy prevents Gatsby from exposing their relationship and suggests relocating to the Plaza Hotel. Tom drives Nick and Jordan in Gatsby’s car while Gatsby transports Daisy in Tom’s vehicle. At a gas station stop, George informs Tom that he and Myrtle intend to move away.
At the Plaza Hotel, Tom accuses Gatsby of fabricating his Oxford attendance and alleges that his wealth comes from bootlegging. Afterward, Gatsby and Daisy depart separately. Myrtle runs into the street following an argument with George and is struck fatally by Gatsby’s car—though Daisy was behind the wheel. Tom tells George that the car belongs to Gatsby and insinuates that Gatsby was Myrtle’s lover; Nick deduces Daisy was driving. Daisy accepts Tom’s assurance that he will manage the situation; Nick warns Gatsby but he insists Daisy must choose her path.
Gatsby confides in Nick that he was born into poverty as James Gatz and asked Daisy to wait for him until he could achieve success after the war; she married Tom seven months following its conclusion. The following day, while swimming in his pool awaiting a call from Daisy, Gatsby receives a phone ring; believing it is her, he is shot dead by George who then takes his own life. Hearing gunshots, Nick attends Gatsby’s funeral—the only attendee besides reporters—as Daisy, Tom, and their daughter depart New York City. The press falsely portrays Gatsby as Myrtle’s lover and killer, which enrages Nick. Disillusioned by the city’s inhabitants and moral decay, Nick decides to leave after contemplating Gatsby’s persistent optimism.
Nick completes writing his memoir titled The Great Gatsby.
Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio portrays James Gatz / Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and enigmatic figure who organizes extravagant gatherings in hopes of rekindling his romance with Daisy
- Tasman Palazzi appears as the young James Gatz
- Callan McAuliffe plays James Gatz during his teenage years
- Tobey Maguire takes on the role of Nick Carraway, an aspiring writer, Gatsby’s confidant, and the story’s narrator
- Carey Mulligan embodies Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby’s past love, Nick’s cousin, and Tom’s spouse
- Joel Edgerton plays Tom Buchanan, a privileged socialite from old wealth who harbors disdain for Gatsby’s newly acquired fortune and his relationship with Daisy
- Jason Clarke is cast as George Wilson, proprietor of a gas station located in the Valley of Ashes
- Isla Fisher portrays Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s mistress and an ambitious social climber
- Elizabeth Debicki features as Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and Daisy’s close friend
- Amitabh Bachchan debuts in Hollywood as Meyer Wolfsheim, a gambler who crossed paths with Gatsby in 1919
- Jack Thompson appears as Walter Perkins, a physician at the psychiatric institution where Nick is admitted
- Adelaide Clemens plays Catherine, Myrtle Wilson’s sister
- Richard Carter acts as Herzog, serving as Gatsby’s butler
- Steve Bisley portrays Dan Cody, a millionaire yacht owner who significantly influenced Gatsby during his youth
- Felix Williamson appears as Henri
- Barry Otto takes on the role of Benny McClenehan
- Heather Mitchell plays Daisy’s mother
- Brian Rooney is cast as Clerk – Probity Trust
Development
Prior to the 2013 film adaptation, F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby had been brought to the screen four times: a now-lost 1926 silent film version, and later adaptations released in 1949, 1974, and 2000 (television). In December 2008, Variety reported that Baz Luhrmann would helm the newest adaptation, aiming to deliver a contemporary interpretation that highlights its critique of affluent lifestyles.
At the Consumer Electronics Show in 2011, Luhrmann disclosed he was considering filming The Great Gatsby in 3D but had not yet made a final decision. Shortly thereafter, he briefly contemplated exiting the project but ultimately chose to continue. Initially developed by Sony Pictures in 2010, by 2011 Warner Bros. was close to securing both financing and global distribution rights for the production.
Casting
Baz Luhrmann described the casting process for The Great Gatsby as promising. The first actor cast was Leonardo DiCaprio, taking on Jay Gatsby; this marked his second collaboration with Luhrmann following Romeo + Juliet (1996). Tobey Maguire was selected to portray Nick Carraway, reuniting with DiCaprio for their third joint venture.
In October 2010, initial speculation linked Amanda Seyfried to the role of Daisy Buchanan. By November, Luhrmann had auditioned numerous actresses including Seyfried, Keira Knightley, Jessica Alba, Rebecca Hall, Blake Lively, Abbie Cornish, Michelle Williams, and Scarlett Johansson, while also considering Natalie Portman. Johansson later withdrew due to commitments related to We Bought a Zoo (2011).
On November 15, Luhrmann confirmed that Carey Mulligan had been cast as Daisy following her audition in New York. Sony executives Amy Pascal and Doug Belgrad were impressed by her portrayal. Mulligan learned about her casting while attending a red carpet event and reacted emotionally. While acknowledging the wide range of talent considered for the role, Luhrmann affirmed Mulligan as the perfect fit for this interpretation of Daisy.
In April 2011, discussions were underway with Ben Affleck for the role of Tom Buchanan; however, he withdrew due to scheduling conflicts with Argo. Other actors considered included Bradley Cooper and Luke Evans. Ultimately, in May, Joel Edgerton was officially cast as Tom Buchanan. Around this time, Isla Fisher joined the cast as Myrtle Wilson.
Australian newcomer Elizabeth Debicki was selected to play Jordan Baker. Luhrmann emphasized that developing Jordan's character alongside Daisy was crucial for maintaining contemporary relevance.
By June 2011, Jason Clarke had been cast as George B. Wilson. Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan made his Hollywood debut portraying Meyer Wolfsheim and agreed to participate without compensation as a favor to Luhrmann.
Screenplay
Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce’s adaptation of the novel introduced five significant alterations to the original storyline: Nick Carraway narrates from within a sanitarium, having admitted himself after the summer spent with Gatsby; although he flirts with Jordan Baker, he remains "too captivated by Gatsby to pay her much attention"; Gatsby is presented through a dramatic entrance instead of a slow reveal; certain racist and antisemitic aspects were either softened or omitted; and Gatsby passes away under the impression that his pursuit of Daisy was triumphant.
Filming
The primary filming phase commenced on September 5, 2011, at Fox Studios Australia in Sydney and wrapped up on December 22, 2011, with additional scenes shot in January 2012. The production utilized Red Epic digital cameras paired with Zeiss Ultra Prime lenses. Scenes depicting the "Valley of Ashes" were captured in Balmain, New South Wales.
Gatsby’s mansion was portrayed by Manly Business School (formerly Saint Patrick's Seminary), where palm trees were digitally removed during post-production to accurately reflect the Long Island locale. Nick’s residence was situated in Centennial Park, New South Wales, while Daisy’s home was filmed at Gowan Brae, a historic estate located at The King's School in Parramatta.
Sets
Catherine Martin designed the interiors of Jay Gatsby’s mansion with lavish gilded details that fused classic elegance and Art Deco influences. The now-demolished Beacon Towers—often cited as a source of inspiration for Fitzgerald’s depiction of Gatsby’s estate—served as a primary reference point.
Exteriors for Gatsby’s home were shot at the International College of Management in Sydney, drawing additional influence from Long Island mansions such as Oheka Castle and La Selva Mansion on the Gold Coast. Post-production enhancements further incorporated features reminiscent of these iconic estates.
The Buchanan estate took cues from Old Westbury Gardens in New York. Its exterior was constructed on a soundstage and enhanced digitally, while the interior design showcased Hollywood Regency style elements.
Nick Carraway’s dwelling provided a stark contrast to Gatsby’s opulence, depicted as a cozy cottage exhibiting traditional Long Island characteristics combined with American Arts and Crafts architecture and furnishings inspired by Gustav Stickley.
The film’s opening sequence was filmed near Sydney’s Olympic Stadium at the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Unit.
Costumes
Costume designer Catherine Martin collaborated closely with fashion designers to develop the film’s wardrobe. Working alongside Miuccia Prada, she adapted garments from Prada and Miu Miu archives to evoke an emblematic 1920s aesthetic, incorporating runway designs never before worn on screen. Their goal was to capture "the European flair" prevalent among East Coast aristocracy during the Roaring Twenties. For menswear, Martin partnered with Brooks Brothers, while jewelry was supplied by Tiffany & Co.
Costume experts noted that these designs reinterpreted 1920s fashion through a modern lens, aligning styles with contemporary 2010s tastes—for example, Daisy’s push-up bra contrasted sharply with the flatter silhouettes typical of the era. Martin acknowledged that enhancing the sensuality of 1920s fashion was intentional for today’s viewers, referencing original fashion illustrations that revealed a more daring style than most historical garments conveyed.
Alice Jurow from the Art Deco Society commented that the film’s stylized costumes reflected current misconceptions about 1922 fashion. She pointed out that authentic attire from that year featured longer hemlines and more intricate detailing, which differed substantially from the widely recognized mid-1920s flapper look depicted in the movie.
Release and marketing
Initially planned for a December 25, 2012 launch, the movie's premiere was postponed to summer 2013, ultimately scheduled for May 10, 2013. It subsequently served as the opening film for the 66th Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2013, shortly following its broad release in both RealD 3D and traditional 2D formats.
The inaugural trailer appeared on May 22, 2012, almost a full year prior to the film’s debut. The promotional videos incorporated tracks such as "No Church in the Wild" by Jay-Z and Kanye West; reinterpretations of U2’s "Love Is Blindness" by Jack White, The Turtles’ "Happy Together" by Filter, Amy Winehouse’s "Back to Black" by André 3000 and Beyoncé; Lana Del Rey’s "Young and Beautiful"; along with Florence and the Machine’s "Bedroom Hymns" and "Over the Love."
On April 15, 2013, Brooks Brothers introduced "The Gatsby Collection," a men's apparel line inspired by Catherine Martin’s costume work for the production. This collection drew heavily from the brand’s historical designs, embodying genuine Gatsby-era fashion, with original costume pieces exhibited in select stores.
Two days later, Tiffany & Co. revealed window displays at their Fifth Avenue flagship inspired by the film and launched "The Great Gatsby Collection," comprising seven jewelry items including a brooch, a headpiece (inspired by archival references), a necklace, and four rings. The collection’s highlight was a platinum ring featuring a 5.25-carat diamond valued at US$875,000.
Soundtrack
Released on May 7, the soundtrack was made available in a deluxe edition along with a Target exclusive version that included three bonus tracks. The album was executive-produced by Jay-Z and The Bullitts.
The single "Young and Beautiful", co-written by Lana Del Rey and director Baz Luhrmann, acted as the film's lead promotional track. It was prominently featured in the official trailer as well as a pivotal romantic sequence. Critics from outlets like Rap-Up and MTV praised the single for its haunting and melancholic atmosphere. Florence and the Machine contributed "Over the Love", which alludes to the novel's iconic "green light" motif, while Beyoncé and André 3000 offered a distinctive downtempo EDM rendition of "Back to Black." The xx recorded "Together," which Jamie Smith described as evoking feelings of "despair" through orchestration involving a 60-piece orchestra.
Baz Luhrmann sought to fuse Jazz Age music with contemporary styles, continuing his signature approach from previous works such as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet, employing music not merely as background but as a central storytelling device.
Box office
The Great Gatsby amassed $144.8 million domestically within North America and $208.8 million internationally, culminating in a global total of $353.6 million. According to estimates by Deadline Hollywood, the film generated a profit of approximately $58.6 million after accounting for costs.
During its opening Friday in North America, it earned $19.4 million, which included $3.25 million from Thursday night previews and midnight screenings. The movie ranked second behind Iron Man 3 over its opening weekend with $51.1 million in revenue. This represented the sixth-largest opening weekend for any film that did not debut at number one, Leonardo DiCaprio’s second-best opening following Inception, and marked director Baz Luhrmann’s highest box office gross to date.
Critical reception
According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered a 48% approval rating from 304 critiques, with an average score of 5.9 out of 10. The summary consensus suggests that although Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is visually impressive and ambitious, it tends to emphasize spectacle over the emotional core of the original novel. On Metacritic, the movie holds a score of 55 out of 100 based on 45 reviews, reflecting "mixed or average" opinions. Audience polling by CinemaScore resulted in a "B" grade.
Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal described the movie as "an idiotically told story, filled with noise and chaos, conveying almost nothing," criticizing its elaborate production design as lacking emotional depth. The Chicago Reader labeled it a "ghastly Roaring Twenties extravaganza," while The Atlantic observed that the film becomes less engaging when it remains faithful to the source material and more entertaining when it diverges from it.
On the positive side, A. O. Scott from The New York Times called the film "great fun" and a "lavishly theatrical homage" to Fitzgerald’s themes, recommending viewers to suspend literary expectations. The Boston Globe lauded Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as "magnificent," emphasizing his depiction of Gatsby’s charisma and vulnerability.
The Scene Magazine assigned a "B−" rating, praising Joel Edgerton’s interpretation of Tom Buchanan despite the character’s limited complexity. Eleanor Lanahan, Fitzgerald’s granddaughter, also commended the movie’s stylistic choices and soundtrack.
Tobey Maguire’s portrayal of Nick Carraway received varied reactions: Philip French from The Guardian considered him either "miscast or poorly directed," Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post described his role as subdued, and Elizabeth Weitzman from the New York Daily News found his performance one-dimensional. In contrast, Rick Groen of The Globe and Mail regarded Maguire’s narration as a validating element for the story’s poetic prose.
Accolades
|- | Art Directors Guild | February 8, 2014 | Excellence in Production Design for a Period Film | Catherine Martin | |- |- | rowspan="3"|British Academy Film Awards | rowspan="3"|February 16, 2014 | Best Costume Design | Catherine Martin | |- |- | Best Makeup and Hair | Maurizio Silvi and Kerry Warn | |- |- | Best Production Design | Catherine Martin and Beverley Dunn | |- |- |Costume Designers Guild | February 22, 2014 | Excellence in Period Film | Catherine Martin | |- |- | rowspan="3"|Critics' Choice Movie Awards | rowspan="3"|January 16, 2014 | Best Costume Design | Catherine Martin | |- |- | Best Production Design | Catherine Martin and Beverley Dunn | |- |- | Best Song | "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey | |- |- | rowspan="2"|Dorian Awards | rowspan="2"|January 21, 2014 | Campy Flick of the Year | The Great Gatsby | |- |- | Visually Striking Film of the Year | The Great Gatsby | |- |- |Empire Awards | March 30, 2014 | Best Female Newcomer | Elizabeth Debicki | |- |- |Golden Eagle Award | January 29, 2014 | Best Foreign Language Film | The Great Gatsby | |- |- | rowspan="3"|Grammy Awards | rowspan="3"|January 26, 2014 | Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media | Baz Luhrmann | |- |- | Best Song Written For Visual Media | "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey and Rick Nowels (music), Lana Del Rey (lyrics) | |- |- | Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media | Craig Armstrong | |- |- |International 3D Society's Creative Arts Awards | January 28, 2014 | Outstanding Live Action 3D Feature Film | The Great Gatsby | |- |- |Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reel Awards February 16, 2014 Best Sound Editing: Music Score in a Feature Film Jason Ruder and Tim Ryan |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |- |-
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| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipients | Result |
|---|
St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Awards December 14, 2013 Best Art Direction The Great Gatsby Best Cinematography Simon Duggan Best Soundtrack The Great Gatsby
Visual Effects Society Awards February 12, 2014 Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture Chris Godfrey, Prue Fletcher, Joyce Cox
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards December 9, 2013 Best Director Baz Luhrmann Best Art Direction Catherine Martin and Beverley Dunn Best Cinematography Simon Duggan
Young Artist Awards May 4, 2014 Best Supporting Young Actor in a Feature Film Callan McAuliffe
Meme
An iconic still of Leonardo DiCaprio portraying Gatsby, raising a glass in a celebratory toast, evolved into a popular internet meme, significantly enhancing the movie's presence in popular culture.
See also
Other film adaptations of The Great Gatsby include:
- The Great Gatsby (1926), featuring Warner Baxter and Lois Wilson
- The Great Gatsby (1949), with Alan Ladd and Betty Field
- The Great Gatsby (1974), starring Robert Redford alongside Mia Farrow
External links
- Articles with short description
- 2013 films
- 2013 3D films
- 2013 romantic drama films
- 2010s historical drama films
- 2010s historical romance films
- American 3D films
- American historical drama films
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- Australian historical drama films
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- BAFTA winners (films)
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- Films about alcoholism
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- Films set in 1922
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- Films whose art director won the Best Art Direction Academy Award
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- Films scored by Craig Armstrong (composer)
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- 2010s English-language films
- 2010s American films
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