Analysis Of The Great Gatsby

During the process of choosing a movie for analyzing for our final capstone project the first movie that immediately came to mind was, The Great Gatsby. I choose this movie specifically, because I really enjoy Tobey Maguire’s character. I enjoy the choice of words and wordplay throughout the whole movie and I also am very mesmerized by his narration. One thing I do hope I learn while analyzing this film is; if this film has any real historical significance. “The Great Gatsby” was a novel originally published in 1922 written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and later into a film and remade five times all by different producers and movie companies until,it was remade in 2013. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, “The Great Gatsby” was released; starring Leonardo

The 1920’s was a time that alcohol seemed to have no limit although the prohibition was into place alcohol sells seemed to be at an all time. Jazz was the most played music, women had reached a point where enough was enough, women wore less and demanded that they have rights in America, and Marcus Garvey advocated the rights of black Americans. (Wilson, 790). In the 1920s reform was amongst the people that seeked a better life for themselves and their families. One movement was prohibition; prohibition: “laws banning the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages” (Appleby, Brinkley, Broussard, McPherson, Ritchie, pg. 973). which was greatly supported by crusading churches and many women. The new order was authorized in 1919 by the Eighteenth amendment, following later was the Volstead Act later that year by congress for implication. Put together these laws made America “safe for hypocrisy” (Wilson, 775). Reformers saw liquor as the leading cause of poverty and crime. Advocates for this reform believed it would protect families, women, and children from the effects of alcohol abuse. One of the most outspoken voices for the prohibition movement was Frances Willard. In 1882 Willard organized the Prohibition Party and by 1919 she and other reformers had created efficient pressure to persuade enough states to ratify the Eighteenth amendment banning the

For example; the prohibition, the popularity of the Jazz music, and the way women went about themselves. The prohibition is never told directly to the audience. However, if you have any background knowledge on the 1920s you would know that the prohibition was in existence. Also, in the movie when Gatsby takes Nick to the barber shop and make there way to the a staircase that led to the bottom of the business was indeed a bar. Since alcohol could not be sold legally in public, people invented speakeasies which were underground bars. Therefore as far as the prohibition aspect of the movie, that part was spot on. Continuing on to the popularity of Jazz music; throughout the whole film Jazz music fills each and every scene. The audience can then infer that this was the music of the century. Moreover to the way women went about themselves; throughout the movie you can see that women are not seen as much; you can see this through Daisy and Tom’s marriage. Also throughout the movie Daisy openly smokes, drinks, and dresses less like a traditional lady and more like a flapper to match her short and choppy haircut. However, the movie does not present anything on women gaining their rights and how they became and were seen as more independent. Although this movie does display some historical significance here and there, the main focus of the movie is about Gatsby and Daisy’s love lasting loving,