Yesterday I finished my last class of the spring semester and have two glorious weeks before the summer semester starts. Although I am smack dab in the middle of designing an entire house for truly lovely clients I took today off. The Fashionista has to work on Sunday so she wanted to celebrate Mother’s Day today with me. Just how will we spend it? At the movies. We’ve been waiting months for the theatrical version of “The Great Gatsby”. It is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, a 20th century literary classic beloved by both of us.
The Great Gatsby
I am approaching this remake with a bit of trepidation. In my mind there will always be only one Jay Gatsby… my beloved Robert Redford who starred in the 1974 classic.
I imagine that my feelings are a bit like Gatsby himself which his next door neighbor Nick sums up:
“No amount of fire could challenge the fairytale he had stored up in his heart.”
But I am willing to give Leo DiCaprio as Gatsby a chance. After all, for his long anticipated encounter with first love Daisy, he fills Nick’s cottage with abundant floral bouquets and macarons.
However I am thrilled with the casting of Carey Mulligan. She captures the essence of Daisy Buchanan completely. If you haven’t seen her Oscar nominated role in “An Education” put it on your must watch list at once.
I of course am eager to view the film sets which were created by Oscar winner Catherine Martin who also happens to be the wife of the film’s director, Baz Luhrmann.
The movie was filmed primarily in Sydney, Australia and the sets, to include Jay Gatsby’s ballroom, capture the Art Deco opulence of the 1920’s.
His entry hall.
The terrace at night.
Another shot which provides a closer view of the wallpaper. I’ll take the candlesticks and the fan.
The story’s narrator, Nick Carraway, is played by Tobey Macguire.
Nick lives in a small cottage next door to Gatsby. Dreamy sigh.
A confrontation occurs in a room at the Plaza hotel.
Myrtle Wilson (Tom Buchanan’s mistress) is played by Isla Fisher. Myrtle’s city love nest is quaint 1920’s.
1920s Fashion
Of course we must cover the fashions. The costume designer was also Catherine Martin. She collaborated with Miuccia Prada who turned to her family’s design archives to come up with 40 background dresses, as well as a few of Daisy’s costumes.
Brooks Brothers dressed the men.
The French company Solstiss created all the lace.
Dreamy confection.
I can’t even imagine how heavy this gown was to wear, but it is stunning!
Nick Calloway’s girlfriend, Jordan Baker (played by Elizabeth Debicki, who reminds me of Emily Blunt) sure knows how to dress to impress.
There is also sumptuous jewelry. A collaboration was formed with Tiffany’s to use archival pieces, as well as create new pieces, for the film. Tiffany’s was selected in large part due to that F. Scott Fitzgerald was a well known customer.
Oh just look at all those diamonds and pearls!
If that is not enough fashion, this months issue of Vogue also features a Gatsby themed spread.
I would wear this entire outfit EVERYWHERE!
The source for each image can be found by clicking on each picture.
Do you plan on seeing “The Great Gatsby”?
Laura
Wow! Thanks for sharing all of these images and the background behind the home decor styles – I'll try to pay attention to that when I go see the movie tonight but I think it's going to be hard to take my eyes off of Leo and Carey!
Oh my GOSH Laura….What fabulous scenes! What opulance! WOW WOW WOW I'd like to see it just for the decor. Thanks for sharing. Great post. Susan
Oh my GOSH Laura….What fabulous scenes! What opulance! WOW WOW WOW I'd like to see it just for the decor. Thanks for sharing. Great post. Susan
Looks like it's going to be an amazing movie!!!
OH I know you two will have a fabulous day. I definitely want to see the film, should be amazing. Your pictures are all fabulous. Hugs, Marty
Yes! I am dying to see it! Although I loved Robert Redford in the first one, I actually think Leonardo can pull it off. I also think the entire cast is brilliantly chosen so I am excited to get to the movie. Having said that, I have no idea when I will be going with our crazy kids schedules – but hopefully while it is still in theatres!
-Shelley
Laura, sounds like your mother/daughter day will be fun. I”m a fan of the original film too, but will give this one a chance. '-)
I wasn't planning on it but now I so want to, love the fashion and the flowers! Thanks for posting this!
I think it's going to be magnificent whether Leo is as good as Redford or not! The houses, clothes, gardens and everything else will be stunning I'm sure! As a fellow movie lover, I remember SO well that right after I finished my graduate program I wanted to just veg out and relax. Went to see Four Weddings and A Funeral and ate a huge barrel of popcorn while I drooled over Hugh…..sigh….
Wow, those are some breathtaking photos! Love the costumes and the sets. I can see a big revival of the era if this becomes a big hit. And I am sure Leo will be awesome, especially with the younger set ,who probably won't remember the original or how handsome RR was in the day! ~Swoon~
I love shows like Poirot, as much for the costumes and cars and sets as the stories. What a decadent age.
Thanks for the 'preview'! Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Love all of it! I'd like to live the party that is Gatsby's terrace at night every single day!
Can't wait to see it!
–Your Royal PEAculiar
You know I rarely go to the movies, but I'll go see this one! Thanks for the previews!
I thought I had seen the Redford version, but realized upon wathching it that I hadn't. I loved Redford and Sam Waterson, but I've never been a fan of Mia Farrow, her rendition of Daisy was poor in my opinion. Seeing that movie made me realize how different movie making is now. I wish I hadn't seen the old one. I know that even though I know the ending I'll still enjoy this one so much more. great post, Laura!!
Laura,
I too have been waiting for this movie to be released and plan on seeing it this weekend with Thomas. I love F Scott Fitzgerald and that time period. I think Leo will do as good a job as Mr Redford in playing the Great Gatsby although in my mind, Thomas and Deborah have the leading roles. 🙂
Enjoy celebrating motherhood with your daughter!
Love,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
I am speechless! I am for sure going to see this movie now….no wonder they cost millions to make….WOW!!!!
I just want to go and see the scenery and the people homes inside!
Oh, my, Laura! This movie will be worth taking in just to see the sets and costuming, if for no other reason. I just love the old Hollywood opulence! Unlike some of the movies today, it appears some big bucks were put into the production. I hope you enjoy the movie with your daughter. Have a beautiful Mother's Day!
Absolutely! I can't wait to see all the costuming and fanfare! Robert Redford will ALWAYS be Jay Gatsby in my book too – but if they had to chose someone to try for 2nd best I think they did okay.
Hugs, Sherry
Well, I wasn't going to go see it. For one thing, I usually get all critical of remakes, I admit it. (Hands my head…) But I am also really cheap and usually wait until I can see a movie more cheaply.
HOWEVER… the costumes and sets you have shown have me wanting to see it on the big screen.
The Maven and I will be seeing this next week, Laura and I'm looking forward to it's visual beauty. Carey Mulligan was indeed wonderful in “An Education” and I think she will be the perfect Daisy. I was never a fan of the Redford Gatsby, so I am willing to give Leo a chance. I will take Nick's cottage over the larger homes, please. Hope you liked it and Happy Mother's Day! Ann
Hope to go on Sunday…despite the reviews it looks absolutely stunning!
Dear Laura I saw it Friday night and loved it so much! All the reasons above, the glamour of the day, the costumes and set designs. You could feel the passions, the anger, the range of emotions these actors portrayed so well.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I was protesting! I was a mere teenager of 14 when the Great Gatsby came out…I fell in love with Redford and the style of the era. I may have to reconsider..oh my Daisy's gowns! I am drooling. Thanks for the beautiful tour.
I'd love to know how it was! Yes, Sarah has anxiously awaited this movie because she adores Leo (she's a Titanic fanatic more than anyone I know), and she loves the classics as well. It's a bit of an effort now though for us to get to the movies since BOTH of the local theaters are undergoing a transformation and won't reopen until later this year and there's nothing else close by. So, we'll have to manage it at some point, somewhere….
Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day. ♥
Linda
I want to see it but Oh how I want a happy ending! If I knew there was a happy ending I would be first in line at the theater! I'm a happily ever after gal!