'The Great Gatsby' Movie: 7 Reasons You Should See It

Impact

Allow these fabulous flapper girls to welcome you into this post: 

The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, and Jason Clarke, tells the story of Nick Carraway (Maguire) and his adventures with his wealthy neighbor, the infamous Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio) during the 1920s. Here are seven reasons why you should be at your closest cinema seeing this on May 10. 

1. Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby 

It's a casting match made in heaven. Although inexplicably without an Oscar, I know that Leo has the acting chops to bring to life all of the facets that make up the alluring Great Gatsby, a man who represents the American Dream, love, new money and ultimately, tragedy. His recent role as Calvin Candie in Django Unchained has further cemented my high expectations. 

2. The Soundtrack 

You're going to want to get up and dance for some of these heavy hitters weighing in. As covered by fellow PolicyMic pundit Brian Weidy, the soundtrack has been touched by the musical genius of rapper Jay Z. Big name stars including Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, will.i.am, Beyoncé, The xx and Nero provide an eclectic mix of decade-appropriate nostalgia meeting modern day vivacity. You can listen to a sampling the songs right here: 

3. The Roaring Twenties 

From the seedy underbelly of Prohibition and bootleggers, to the charm of jazz artists, to the whimsical fashion of female flappers draped in beads and cigarettes, the 20s have always been a popular party theme. The time period fascinates us and now there's an entire movie coming out situated at the height of the 20s (historical accuracy not withstanding). There really ain't no party like a Jay Gatsby party and you're bound to find out why sooner or later.

4. It's Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Uh, hello? Moulin Rouge? Romeo + Juliet? Luhrmann is a master at giving his viewers a bigger-than-life spectacle that can border on the ridiculous but at the same token finds room of provide pockets of poignant scenes. You can be guaranteed that either way, you will be getting your money's worth out of the movie. After all, we do head out to the theaters to be entertained, and Luhrmann channels entertainment the right way. 

5. It's Going To Make You Think 

It's going to make you question the age old "pursuit of happiness" trope. Because fame and money isn't everything. 

...Or is it?

 6. It's Going To Be In 3-D

Now, I'm not the biggest fan of 3-D movies. In fact, I tend to avoid them at all costs. The good news is for those of who you love the pop-out effects and sensory overload that going beyond 2-D provides, that option will be readily available to you! If the movie trailers are anything to go by, it looks like your red and blue glasses will give you quite the aesthetic treat. 

 7. It's My Favorite Book  

At least, one of my many favorites. 

That's right, the movie is based off of the original novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It took me some time after a forced reading in high school to appreciate Gatsby's literary merits, but they're there. It isn't known as the second best English language novel of the 20th century for nothing. If possible, I'd recommend reading the novel before May 10. It's only nine chapters, and it's always interesting to do the whole compare-and-contrast game when it comes to adaptations. There is also a lot of imagery and symbolism that may or may not be highlighted in the film. Why risk missing out on the stimulating, intellectual conversation?

So to conclude. 

Go watch that shit.