When Baz Luhrmann gets his post-modern mitts on a massive budget and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘Great American Novel’, the result is pretty much exactly what you’d expect. It’s fast, flashy and theatrical. But is it true to The Great Gatsby? Can Luhrmann’s picture paint 55,000 words?

Published in 1925, The Great Gatsby captured the “roaring” ’20s in America, and the beauty and dark side of the American Dream. In this film adaptation, Leonardo DiCaprio plays the title character Jay Gatsby, while Tobey Maguire plays writer (and narrator) Nick Carraway.  Carey Mulligan is Gatsby’s love interest Daisy Buchanan, Joel Edgerton plays her husband Tom, and Isla Fisher is his mistress Myrtle.  Here goes:

This whole thing is so Baz Luhrmann – endless rockin’ party scenes with sinister undertones set to one sweet, hip soundtrack.  It’s undoubtedly beautiful, like this big expensive costume party full of gorgeous and dreamy characters. But in typical Luhrmann fashion, there’s way too much going on for my sensibilities. Where’s the story in this famous story?

I do enjoy the “Gatsby?” “Gatsby?” “Gatsby!” setup, and DiCaprio’s ability to deliver on this middle-ground between mystery man and regular guy. But mostly I’m taken by Carey Mulligan, as always. She looks just how I would have imagined Daisy to look, and easily provides all the best, most real, moments in the trailer.

Thoughts? Is this lavish affair now on your radar?

Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby’s circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Callan McAulifee, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Callan McAuliffe and Gemma Ward.

The Great Gatsby opens in New Zealand on 6 June 2013.