The Great Gatsby

Australian writer and director Baz Luhrmann bounces back to top form with this lavish and visually stunning adaptation of the American classic which works surprising well. A man visiting his wealthy relatives gets a first hand experience of the corruption of wealth when he witnesses his reclusive and mysterious neighbor's quest to seduce his way back to the heart of a woman he loved with tragic consequences. Luhrman's over-the-top approach works well with the theme of the story set in the decadent twenties while giving his characters moments to shine through all the superficial excess. Luhrman and co-writer Craig Pearce manage to put focus on Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan complicated relationship without letting the flashier characters and scenes to overpower them. Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan star with nuanced performances that sheds light beneath the surface of their character's psyches. The stellar cast also includes Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke and Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. As expected from Luhrman, the film is a feast for the eyes and ears thanks to a top notch artistic collaborators that includes producers Catherine Martin and Jay-Z who also shaped the sight and sound of the film. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.