Film Adaptation Of 'The Great Gatsby'

In the wake of the uncertainty and brutality of the First World War, the societal attitudes of Americans evolved away from the conservative mores of previous decades. As the economy soared, the populous became enamored with wealth, vitality, and lavish lifestyles. Characterized by flappers, radio and cinema, Prohibition, bathtub gin, the speakeasy, and organized crime, America during the 1920’s, became known as the “Roaring Twenties”. All this makes up the cultural backdrop and setting for the Great Gatsby novel and film adaptation. Upon analysis of director Jack Clayton’s 1974 film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, the film would be categorized as a close adaptation as most of the narrative elements in the literary …show more content…
In particular as it relates to Jay Gatsby and Daisy. Something seems to be lost in both characters as the story goes from text to film. In Fitzgerald’s novel Gatsby starts out as a detached and distant character, but as the story proceeds we see him more as a romantic desperately in love. However, in the adaptation this transition is not evident, Robert Redford seems stiff and prescribed throughout the entire film, and the romantic Gatsby never appears making it difficult for the audience to truly identify and sympathize with him. In similar fashion, Daisy, appears different in the film when compared with the novel, in particular with regard to appearance and personality. In the book she is described in a way that suggests she has darker hair. In the two descriptions it was described as having a “blue streak”, and her “dark shining hair”. However, in the film Ms. Farrow has blonde hair. As it relates Daisy’s personality traits, some did not translate from text to film well. Fitzgerald paints a picture of an educated, intelligent and seductive woman with a voice that was “full of money”. The adaptation however, presents a Daisy that lacks the charm and sophistication that comes with a good education. Additionally, her voice is shrill, annoying and anything but seductive. While the characters in the adaptation are exactly the same as what was presented in the novel the portrayal in the film was