The Great Gatsby Research Paper

Shane Lee May 13, 2024 Period 6 The Great Gatsby Review Essay.

What is the goal of the American Dream? In The Great Gatsby, the director Baz Luhrmann presents this question as he explores the interconnected paths of Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, and Daisy Buchanan in a society where materialism and social status are valued as success. The film is set in the Roaring Twenties, where a young Nick Carraway moves to Long Island next to his mysterious neighbor who throws extravagant parties. Nick discovers that his neighbor is a wealthy man named Jay Gatsby, and he is in love with his cousin Daisy Buchanan. Daisy had an intimate relationship with Gatsby before he went to war, however, she married Tom Buchanan, a man with inherited wealth. As Nick begins

Moreover, Luhrmann uses an accurate scenic design similar to the Roaring Twenties. From each scene ranging from the parties at the mansion to New York City, the costumes and set design are extremely accurate to that period. This accuracy plays a crucial role in conveying themes of excess and superficiality, for example, the extravagant parties have elaborate fireworks and entertainment, reflecting the superficial lifestyle of the wealthy and the hollowness behind the facade of flair. Not only does the scenic design contribute to key themes but it also creates a sense of immersion for the audience, captivating them and bringing them into the era of the Roaring Twenties. To sum it up, the visual imagery, such as the props and cinematography, is the movie's backbone. It immerses the audience, presents central themes, and paints a picture for the characters to coexist. In addition to its visual splendor, The Great Gatsby delivers a powerful emotional resolution. A scene that represents this is when George Wilson shoots Gatsby, who is in his pool. This scene is tragic, as Nick Carraway watches as Gatsby’s life

With Nick being a witness, he can add more emotional depth with his reflection and insight on the event that tackles themes of love. The audience may hear Nick’s famous line ringing, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.” On the contrary, the scene where Daisy visits Gatsby’s mansion to pay her respects in another fleeting moment of sorrow is a central moment in the aftermath of his death. She is shown walking through empty rooms and gazing at the green light that Gatsby once gazed at. The audience can sympathize with the remorse she feels as she reminisces and realizes the love that Gatsby had for her. In brief, these points in the resolution deliver a hard-hitting emotional impact on the audience and communicate notable themes in the story. Altogether, through a realistic and thoughtful portrayal of the American Dream, the drama The Great Gatsby showcases compelling characters, stunning visual imagery, and a heartfelt resolution to tell an emotional tale. The film uses dynamic characters like the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the conflicted