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The transition from literature to film often entails a delicate balance between loyalty to the source material and the creative choices of the director. Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" navigates this balance, retaining certain elements faithfully while introducing alterations that provoke contemplation. This essay delves into the intricate comparison between the movie and the book, exploring the nuances of adaptation choices and their impact on the narrative.
Luhrmann's movie captures several details as described in Fitzgerald's novel, visually bringing them to life.
The opulence of Jay Gatsby's possessions, such as the golden toilette set and medals, faithfully mirrors the book's depiction. Even seemingly incongruous details, like the half-eaten sandwich on Gatsby's desk, contribute to the portrayal of a character whose meticulous exterior hides underlying complexities.
The preparations for Gatsby's extravagant parties, a central element in the narrative, are depicted with cinematic grandeur. The orchestras tuning up, the tents rising in the garden, and the meticulous arrangements mirror Fitzgerald's descriptions.
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However, a minor omission, such as the peculiar mention of hundreds of oranges and tons of discarded orange peel, adds a layer of symbolism that enriches the novel but is overlooked in the film adaptation.
While the film captures the essence of Fitzgerald's work, some deviations exist, whether intentional or due to oversight. Examples include the alteration of Myrtle's dog's color and the change in the color of Myrtle's dress during the party at her sister's house. These alterations may be attributed to practical considerations in the filmmaking process, yet they underscore the challenges of translating written details to the visual medium.
Additionally, minor inaccuracies, such as Nick taking Tom's car instead of a cab after the hotel incident, reveal the complexity of translating every detail faithfully.
These deviations, though small, contribute to the unique interpretation presented on the big screen.
The film, constrained by time and budget considerations, omits certain significant details present in the novel. After Tom's altercation with Myrtle, a scene where Nick invites Mr. McKee to dinner is skipped, emphasizing the characters' lack of concern for the event. Budgetary constraints often lead to such omissions, impacting the nuanced portrayal of characters and their relationships.
Moreover, key moments such as Gatsby's failure to invite Nick for a post-party plane trip and the subsequent crash are excluded. The absence of "Owl Eyes," a character pivotal to the novel's symbolism, is particularly noteworthy. His presence at Gatsby's funeral, an event accompanied by rain in the book, adds emotional depth that is overlooked in the film.
Several scenes that provide insight into the characters' motivations are altered in the film. For instance, a scene where Myrtle's sister informs Nick that Daisy is a Catholic is simplified, omitting Nick's internal reflection on the complexity of Tom's lie. The nuanced portrayal of Gatsby's invitation to the Buchanans for his party is missing, affecting the perception of their role in the narrative.
While the film does not depict Myrtle's death explicitly, a choice acceptable considering the book's approach, it alters scenes that were crucial for understanding character dynamics. These changes, whether intentional or a result of constraints, shape the narrative differently from Fitzgerald's original vision.
In conclusion, Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" is a cinematic rendering that navigates the complexities of transforming literature into film. While certain scenes faithfully reproduce Fitzgerald's vision, the film is not without deviations, omissions, and alterations. Budgetary constraints, directorial choices, and the inherent challenges of adaptation contribute to these variations.
Despite its fidelity to some aspects of the novel, the film falls short in capturing the full richness of Fitzgerald's narrative. The omission of crucial details, such as "Owl Eyes" and specific character interactions, impacts the emotional depth of the story. Consequently, while the movie serves as an introduction to the narrative, readers of the novel may find it lacking in the nuanced exploration of characters and symbolism present in Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece.
The Great Gatsby: A Cinematic Adaptation. (2016, Jul 08). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-great-gatsby-book-vs-movie-essay
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