The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

Year: 1974

Runtime: 144 min

Language: English

Director: Jack Clayton

DramaRomance

During the roaring 1920s on Long Island, a young man becomes captivated by the lavish lifestyle of millionaire Jay Gatsby. Drawn into Gatsby's world, he discovers the truth behind his mysterious parties and learns of Gatsby's relentless pursuit of the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. Their connection intertwines with themes of wealth, social class, and the unattainable American Dream, revealing a poignant story of love and loss.

The Great Gatsby (1974) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Great Gatsby (1974) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the glittering summer of the 1920s, Long Island’s glittering shorelines become a stage for excess and ambition. Two neighboring peninsulas—opulent East Egg and the more modest West Egg—reflect a silent competition of old money versus newly‑earned fortunes, while jazz, flamboyant gowns, and endless parties pulse through the night, shaping an atmosphere that is simultaneously intoxicating and restless.

Nick Carraway arrives from the Midwest, drawn by the promise of opportunity and a quiet place to write. He settles into a humble cottage in West Egg, his perspective grounded yet curious, as he watches the world of his affluent neighbors unfold. Directly across the water lives the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a mysterious tycoon whose name is whispered at every lavish gathering, a man whose charisma and secretive past hint at a deeper yearning behind his extravagance.

Across the water’s edge, the elegant Daisy Buchanan and her formidable husband Tom Buchanan embody the glittering veneer of East Egg’s aristocracy. Their world, filled with polished interiors and cultivated charm, feels both alluring and distant. Jordan Baker, a poised friend of Daisy’s, drifts through the same circles, offering a glimpse of the era’s modern, independent spirit. Through Nick’s eyes, the contrast between the gilded façade and the underlying currents of longing, expectation, and social tension becomes ever more pronounced.

Amid this tapestry of wealth and aspiration, Gatsby remains fixated on a singular vision—a reunion with the beautiful Daisy that seems to promise redemption and fulfillment. Their connection, set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties, invites contemplation of the American Dream’s promise and its elusive nature, leaving the audience to wonder whether love, ambition, or illusion will ultimately shape their fates.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:21

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Movies about the unattainable dream like The Great Gatsby

Tragic stories of yearning for a beautiful, impossible ideal.If you were captivated by the tragic pursuit of an ideal in The Great Gatsby, explore these movies about unattainable dreams. This collection features similar stories of yearning, where characters chase a beautiful but impossible vision, often set against a backdrop of wealth and leading to heartbreaking endings.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist obsessed with achieving a specific, idealized goal—be it love, status, or a version of the past. Their pursuit is characterized by opulence and grand effort, yet the story methodically unravels the futility of their quest. The climax is not a triumph but a shattering realization of the dream's emptiness, culminating in a bleak or bittersweet conclusion.

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Movies about decadence and disillusionment like The Great Gatsby

Lavish worlds that hide profound moral emptiness and personal tragedy.Fans of The Great Gatsby's portrayal of 1920s decadence will appreciate these movies about wealth and disillusionment. Discover similar films where glamorous parties and luxurious settings hide tragic flaws, corrupt values, and the inevitable collapse of characters trapped by their own desires and social expectations.

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Narrative Summary

Stories unfold within a world of extreme privilege and aesthetic beauty, using the setting to critique the emptiness beneath the surface. The plot often involves a outsider's perspective being drawn into this world, only to witness the moral compromises, infidelities, and tragic fates of those who inhabit it. The narrative arc is one of initial fascination giving way to sobering disillusionment.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific atmospheric blend of visual opulence and emotional bleakness. The key connection is the use of a decadent setting—be it historical or contemporary—to explore themes of corruption, class, and the high personal cost of wealth. They balance a reflective, somber mood with the dramatic tension of secrets and social collapse.

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The Great Gatsby Summary

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The Great Gatsby Summary

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The Great Gatsby Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Gatsby

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Gatsby

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