The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

Year: 2013

Runtime: 143 min

Language: English

Director: Baz Luhrmann

DramaRomance

In 1922 New York, Nick Carraway leaves the Midwest for the excitement of city life. He becomes neighbor to the mysterious Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man known for his extravagant parties. Nick is drawn into Gatsby’s world, discovering a poignant story of ambition, romance, and the illusions of the American Dream. As Nick learns more about Gatsby's past and his relentless pursuit of a lost love, he witnesses the tragic consequences of chasing an unattainable ideal.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Great Gatsby (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Great Gatsby (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1922

The year 1922 is significant in American history, representing the Roaring Twenties—a time of economic prosperity and cultural change following World War I. This period was marked by jazz music, flappers, and an ever-growing pursuit of wealth and pleasure, which contrasts sharply with the underlying themes of decay and loss in the story.

Location

New York City, West Egg, Valley of Ashes

New York City in the 1920s serves as a backdrop for the American Dream, filled with lavish parties and stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. West Egg is a fictional locality representing the new money of the era, symbolized by Gatsby's extravagant mansion, while the Valley of Ashes is a desolate area that underscores the moral and social decay hidden beneath the glittering surface.

🌆 City 🏡 Home 🌄 Area

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:37

Main Characters – The Great Gatsby (2013)

Meet the key characters of The Great Gatsby (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire)

Nick Carraway serves as the narrator and moral center of the story, offering insight into the lives of the other characters. His background as a Yale graduate and war veteran provides him with a unique perspective on the world around him. Throughout the film, Nick grapples with his disillusionment regarding the decadence of the rich and ultimately seeks to convey Gatsby's true legacy.

📝 Narrator 🕶️ Observer 🎓 Veteran

Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio)

Jay Gatsby is the enigmatic and wealthy protagonist whose undying love for Daisy Buchanan drives the narrative. His lavish parties and mysterious background create an illusion that ultimately masks his vulnerabilities. Gatsby epitomizes the notion of the American Dream, valiantly pursuing his idealized vision of love, only to meet a tragic end.

🌟 Dreamer 💰 Wealthy 💔 Romantic

Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan)

Daisy Buchanan is the object of Gatsby's affection, embodying beauty and charm but also a sense of disillusionment. Her internal conflicts and desire for a secure life lead her toward Tom, despite her lingering feelings for Gatsby. Daisy represents the complexities of love, societal expectations, and personal choices.

👰 Socialite 💖 Love Interest 🚪 Reluctant

Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton)

Tom Buchanan is a wealthy, arrogant, and domineering figure who represents the entitlement of old money. His infidelity and aggressive behavior reveal his moral shortcomings, especially as he seeks to maintain control over those around him. Tom's character serves as a powerful antagonist to Gatsby's romantic idealism.

💼 Aristocrat 🚨 Antagonist 🥃 Unfaithful

Jordan Baker (Character, actress unknown)

Jordan Baker is a modern, cynical woman who embodies the spirit of the Jazz Age. As a golfer and a friend of Daisy, she plays a pivotal role in introducing Nick to the world of the elite. Her complex relationship with Nick showcases the contrasting views on love and friendship during this tumultuous time.

⛳ Athlete 🕶️ Cynic 💃 Flapper

Myrtle Wilson (Character, actress unknown)

Myrtle Wilson is Tom's mistress who represents the lower class's aspiration to rise through relationships with the wealthy. Her tragic fate underscores the risks associated with pursuing love and status in a society driven by class struggle. Myrtle's character highlights the desperation and disillusionment that often accompany such pursuits.

💔 Mistress 🚧 Tragic 🔥 Ambitious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:37

Major Themes – The Great Gatsby (2013)

Explore the central themes of The Great Gatsby (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Sacrifice

The theme of love in 'The Great Gatsby' is intertwined with sacrifice, particularly through Gatsby's longing for Daisy. His extravagant lifestyle and wild parties serve as a desperate attempt to win her back, leading to tragic consequences. The story showcases how love can drive individuals to extraordinary lengths, often resulting in devastating losses.

🏙️ Class Struggle

Class struggle is a central theme in the film, revealing the stark differences between the old money represented by Tom Buchanan and the new money embodied by Jay Gatsby. The characters navigate a world where social status determines their destinies, and this conflict ultimately drives the story's tragic events.

🕵️‍♂️ Identity and Illusion

Identity and illusion play a crucial role, particularly through Gatsby's mysterious persona. The rumors surrounding him reflect society's obsession with status and perception. Ultimately, the film sheds light on the disparity between one's true self and the façade one presents to the world.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:37

Unlock the Full Story of The Great Gatsby

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Great Gatsby in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Great Gatsby is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Great Gatsby Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Great Gatsby, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Great Gatsby Summary

The Great Gatsby Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Great Gatsby with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Great Gatsby Timeline

More About The Great Gatsby

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Great Gatsby: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Great Gatsby

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