When a notable piece of literature gets turned into a film, many critics and judgment arises over the acceptability and accuracy of the adaptation. The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald has been adapted into two different movies. In the 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, director Baz Luhrmann takes the main concept into a slightly different perspective than the original novel. However, the majority of the details and key concepts remain the same, making the 2013 adaptation overall successful. When determining the success of a film adaptation, key points such as setting, character relationships, and the message of symbolism are the most important factors. First, comparing the description of how Gatsby’s mansion and his parties are …show more content…
Especially when discussing The Great Gatsby. In the novel, a major part of the story is Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism, specifically the green light at the end of Daisy and her husband’s estate. As Gatsby’s mansion is placed directly across the bay in front of Daisy’s mansion, Gatsby often finds himself looking at their green light and thinking of Daisy. For example, in the movie Nick explains that he observed Gatsby and he “seemed to be reaching towards something out there in the dark” (The Great Gatsby). As the scene continues, Gatsby is out on his deck and Nick sees him holding up his hand. Eventually a bright green light comes to the screen, implying that Gatsby was reaching towards it. This signifies that he is so close to Daisy yet so far away. Similarly, in the novel, Nick oversees Gatsby on the deck explaining that “he stretched out his arms toward the dark water… I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward — and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock” (19). This continues to support how the green light is a very important symbol because it symbolizes how Gatsby is so close to Daisy yet so far away. Gatbsy is also seen reaching out towards the light which symbolizes him holding onto him and Daisy’s past. The green light is very symbolic in the novel because it symbolizes Daisy and Gatsby’s past relationship and how close they physically are, but not mentally. The film successfully portrays this meaning by flooding the screen with the green light and physically showing Gatsby reaching for