"The Great Gatsby" is a timeless piece of literature by F. Scott Fitzgerald that generations have read since it was first published in 1925.
The book is set during the Jazz Age on Long Island. The story is told from the eyes of Nick Carraway, a new resident of Long Island, more specifically the West Egg.
Carraway becomes intrigued by his wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is the host of extravagant parties thrown at his beautiful estate. Carraway quickly becomes part of Gatsby's lavish lifestyle after being invited to one of these events. He also becomes intertwined with Gatsby's love life, when he learns of Gatsby's infatuation with the breathtaking Daisy Buchanan, a married woman, and cousin of Carraway's.
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Fitzgerald's writing is vividly descriptive, allowing readers to easily imagine the details of each scene as it plays out on every page.
Since the book was first published, there have been four movies made for the big screen, as well as several made-for-television variations. Each adaptation tells its own story, while keeping major events generally similar to the book. Each of the movies will give some variation of the classic, but of course, the 1925 book is where you'll be able to really understand each of the characters and events as Fitzgerald intended.
Take a look at these four adaptations of "The Great Gatsby."
The very first movie based off "The Great Gatsby" was made just one year after the book was published. This version was a silent film starring Warner Baxter, Lois Wilson and William Powell.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to watch this adaptation, as there are no known copies to exist. The only piece of this film that does exist is a short one-minute trailer.
The 1949 version of the book was a fairly low-budget production made by Paramount Pictures.
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The movie was directed by Elliott Nugent and starred Alan Ladd as Gatsby, Betty Field as Buchanan and Macdonald Carey as Carraway.
One of the biggest differences between this movie and the original book is the portrayal of Gatsby himself. This movie takes a large interest in the criminal activity of Gatsby and the dark secrets he hides, leaving the main storyline to really fall around that.
The first big-budget production of "The Great Gatsby" came in 1974. For many, when asked which is the best movie version, the debate is between this adaptation and the latest 2013 movie.
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Francis Ford Coppola wrote the screenplay for this movie. Just before, he co-wrote and directed "The Godfather."
Robert Redford takes on the role of Gatsby in this film, with Sam Waterston as Carraway and Mia Farrow as Buchanan.
While the other three adaptations may not be familiar to many, this latest version is one many have seen.
The 2013 film is directed by Baz Luhrmann and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby, Tobey MaGuire as Carraway and Carey Mulligan as Buchanan.
The visuals in this movie leave audiences in awe, especially the scene of Carraway attending one of Gatsby's parties. The scene is filled with beautiful attire, bright, colorful decorations, a swimming pool and a modern touch with the music played at the event.
One of the most memorable moments from this movie comes from this party scene, when Gatsby introduces himself to an intrigued Carraway for the first time. As the mysterious millionaire says his name and holds up his glass, fireworks explode behind him.
One interesting twist that differentiates this movie from the book is the way in which the story is told. In both the 2013 movie and 1925 book, Carraway serves as the narrator. In the movie, Carraway is telling the story to a therapist from an institution, where his file describes him as being "morbidly alcoholic," an "insomniac," experiencing "fits of anger" and having "anxiety," a concept that is not pulled from the book.
