In the films “The Great Gatsby” and “Strictly Ballroom”, directed by Baz Luhrmann the use of symbolism is a concept that features frequently and is often portrayed by the use of colour. Luhrmann conveys a similar thought process through the use of the same colours in both films, however he portrays a development in his style from “Strictly Ballroom” to “The Great Gatsby”.
Luhrmann’s films are very colourful and very artificial. The colours used in “Strictly Ballroom” are vivid while those in “The Great Gatsby” are less saturated, yet they are still very intense. The dominant colour of the films is gold/ yellow. Gold is often seen in The Great Gatsby in the design and costumes, for example, Luhrmann uses golden gates for the opening scene
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When Fran and Scott dance on the rooftop together a red Coca Cola sign can be seen in the background. This red sign foreshadows, how Fran and Scott will be united and this is proven in the last seen of the film where Fran and Scott dance together at the Pan Pacific in red costumes. In “the Great Gatsby” foreshadowing is again used. The green light is merely a light at the end of the dock to everyone except GAtsby. It is significant to him as, the green light represents his dream, which is Daisy. To obtain her would be achieving Gatsby’s American Dream. The first time the green light is seen in the film is also the first time Nick sees Gatsby. Nicks explains that he sees “nothing except a single green light” and describes it as ‘minute and far away’ which makes it appear impossible to reach. This will prove to be true for Gatsby and again shows how Luhrmann makes use of foreshadowing through symbolism, however Luhrmanns use of foreshadowing in “the Great Gatsby” is more complex and requires more thought from the viewer.
In Conclusion both Baz Luhrmanns films include his own personal style and use of symbolism however “strictly Ballroom” theatrical and simplified approach to his style, whereas the use of symbolism is “The Great Gatsby” is more naturalistic and complex. This development of the use of symbolism seen throughout the films portrays the evolution