The Great Gatsby

          When F. Scott Fitzgerald wanted to write a new and extraordinary novel, he created The Great Gatsby, which ended up being his most recognizable work. The story was modeled after Fitzgerald’s own life and the generation he lived in, with the main character possessing many of his qualities and characteristics. The novel was originally published in 1925, and since then over 25 million copies have been sold worldwide. In 2013, Baz Lurhmann’s version of the movie was released, and made over $351 million worldwide, with $144.8 million of that being just in North America.

Even though the movie was based on the novel, the producers added and cut out some parts to make it more interesting and more “Hollywood.” One of the greatest differences between the two is the movie’s modern twist, especially during the scenes with Gatsby’s big parties, the music blaring in the background is rap, and we all know that was not around in the 1920’s. However, it is easy to see that Lurhmann chose this type of music so it would appeal more to today’s generation.

Another difference between the two is how the audience gets to know certain characters. In the book, some characters are described more in detail, and the audience is presented with a better understanding of who they really are. In the movie, these characters are in a way thrown out to us, and we are left to make something of them.

The ending is the selling point for Hollywood, although it differs from the book. Either way, Gatsby is killed, but in the book the narrator, a writer, journals about the event and how he felt for Gatsby. In the movie, however, Gatsby is shot and the movie ends. The cliffhanger leaves the audience wanting more, which is the perfect Hollywood ending.

Ashlee Holtzclaw