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The Great Gatsby Film Analysis

Baz Luhrmann, the director of the 2013 version of The Great Gatsby has a very distinctive visual style. While watching the
film, please take notes on the following topics and be prepared to incorporate them in a film critique.

1. In order to preserve Nick’s narrative voice in the text, the screenwriter adapted the story as a frame tale in which Nick is
journaling his story while in a rehab facility. Do you think this is an effective choice? Why or why not? Does it add or
detract from your understanding of the plot and characters?

2. How do the scenes that deal with chapter 2--Nick meeting Myrtle and going to a party at Tom and Myrtle’s apartment--
compare with the novel? Which version do you like better and why?

3. The scene in which Nick first meets Gatsby is significantly different in mood. What is the mood of the book and film
scene? What does Luhrmann change? Which version do you like better and why?

4. Luhrmann is known for making period piece films but using contemporary music. Select one scene in which music
figures prominently and explain how the music enhances or detracts from the action. Be sure to explain how/why.

5. Luhrmann is also known for his fast, at times frenetic, pacing achieved through quick cuts. Select one scene where this
editing technique is used and explain how the technique adds to or detracts from the scene.

6. There are three significant deaths in the novel. How does Luhrmann stage and film those scenes and do you find them
as impactful as in the novel?
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Film Critique: Please write a paragraph critiquing the film. Do you recommend the film to others or not? Be sure to begin
with a clear claim, establish your criteria for what makes a good film, and provide evidence. Feel free to use any of the
elements we discussed while watching.

Learning Target Minimally Proficient Partially Proficient Proficient Highly Proficient

11-12.W.1.A
Introduce precise,
knowledgeable claim(s),
establish the significance
of the claim(s), distinguish
the claim(s) from alternate
or opposing claims, and
create an organization
that logically sequences
claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence.
Introduced the claim(s), Introduced the claim(s), Introduced the claim(s), Introduced and
acknowledging the acknowledging alternate acknowledging and established the
alternate or opposing or opposing claims. distinguishing the claim(s) significance of precise,
claims. Lacks reasons Reasons and evidence from alternate or opposing knowledgeable claim(s).
and evidence that are were organized somewhat claims. Reasons and Acknowledged and
organized. logically. evidence were organized distinguished the claim(s)
logically. from alternate or opposing
claims. Provided
organization that showed
clear connections
between claim(s),
counterclaims, reasons,
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and evidence.