The Great Gatsby on Film

Abstract

This article analyzes Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, comparing it to Jack Clayton's 1974 version. The paper explores the challenges of adapting a literary classic, particularly one as iconic as *Gatsby*, and examines how different directors approach fidelity to the source material. The article argues that Luhrmann's visually spectacular but narratively confusing adaptation strays significantly from Fitzgerald's novel, raising questions about the adaptability of Gatsby's character and the novel's themes. The author contends that both adaptations struggle to capture the spiritual essence of Jay Gatsby, despite their differences in style and approach. This study examines the cultural significance of repeated adaptations of The Great Gatsby, suggesting that each new version reflects contemporary anxieties and desires. The paper demonstrates how film adaptations can both reinvigorate interest in classic literature and provoke critical debate about its meaning.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)