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!

Haven’t seen The Great Gatsby yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Great Gatsby (2013)

Trace every key event in The Great Gatsby (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nick's Recovery

Nick Carraway is introduced as a Yale graduate and World War I veteran who is recovering from alcoholism at a sanatorium. His doctor, Walter Perkins, encourages him to express his complex emotions through writing, which becomes a significant outlet for Nick's experiences and reflections.

Early 1922 Sanatorium
2

Move to New York

In the summer of 1922, Nick relocates from the Midwest to New York City, putting aside his aspirations of becoming a writer for a career in bond sales. He rents a modest home in West Egg, situated next to the extravagant mansion of the mysterious Jay Gatsby, wisps of rumors about whom begin to circulate.

Summer 1922 West Egg, New York
3

Meeting Daisy and Tom

Nick visits his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom in East Egg, where he encounters the cynical golfer Jordan Baker. During this visit, he becomes aware of Tom's infidelity, hinted by Jordan, and the troubling situation involving a woman from the 'valley of ashes'.

Summer 1922 East Egg, New York
4

Visit to the Valley of Ashes

Accompanying Tom to the valley of ashes, Nick visits the garage owned by George Wilson, who is unaware of Tom's affair with his wife, Myrtle. Amidst this seemingly ordinary outing, the situation escalates into chaos at an apartment where Tom confronts Myrtle, culminating in a violent altercation.

Summer 1922 Valley of Ashes
5

Gatsby's Party Invitation

As the summer progresses, Nick receives a much-coveted invitation to one of Jay Gatsby's extravagant parties. To his astonishment, he discovers that among the myriad guests, few have actually met Gatsby, and his enigmatic persona has given rise to wild speculation and rumors about his origins.

Summer 1922 Gatsby's Mansion, West Egg
6

Meeting Gatsby

At Gatsby's party, Nick finally meets the man himself, who is surprisingly youthful and exudes a sense of detachment. This encounter ignites a budding friendship between Nick and Gatsby, leading to subsequent invitations and meaningful discussions about life and aspirations.

Summer 1922 Gatsby's Mansion, West Egg
7

Lunch with Meyer Wolfshiem

Gatsby invites Nick to lunch, where they meet Meyer Wolfshiem, a shady figure involved in the 1919 World Series scandal. Through these encounters, Nick learns about Gatsby's wealth and his undying love for Daisy, which drives the lavish lifestyle that includes grand parties.

Summer 1922 New York City
8

Reunion with Daisy

Gatsby confides in Nick about his desire to reunite with Daisy, which results in Nick organizing a tea at his home. The reunion is initially awkward as old feelings resurface, putting both Gatsby and Daisy in a vulnerable position as they rekindle their past romance.

Summer 1922 Nick's Home, West Egg
9

Confrontation with Tom

Gatsby, Nick, and Jordan attend a tense luncheon with the Buchanans, where Gatsby's feelings for Daisy become apparent. Tom's jealousy surfaces, leading to a confrontation where Gatsby openly declares his love for Daisy, which escalates the brewing tension.

Summer 1922 Buchanans' Home, East Egg
10

Tragic Accident

The group drives to the Plaza Hotel, but during the chaotic journey, Myrtle, Tom's mistress, mistakenly runs into the road and is tragically killed by Gatsby’s car. This incident sends shockwaves through the relationships, dramatically altering the course of events and deepening the tragedy.

Summer 1922 Plaza Hotel
11

Gatsby's Vigil

In the aftermath of the tragic incident, Gatsby waits outside the Buchanans' mansion, hoping for Daisy to reach out to him. Despite confessing to Nick that Daisy was driving, Gatsby is willing to take the blame, showcasing his profound devotion to her.

Summer 1922 Buchanans' Mansion
12

Gatsby's Downfall

Gatsby, in a moment of longing, decides to take a swim in his pool, believing it will bring him closer to Daisy. Instead, he is tragically killed by George Wilson, who seeks revenge for Myrtle's death, marking a heartbreaking end to Gatsby's dream.

Summer 1922 Gatsby's Mansion, West Egg
13

Gatsby's Funeral

After Gatsby's death, Nick finds himself devastated as he witnesses the sparse turnout at Gatsby's funeral. Angry at the indifference of the city to Gatsby's sacrifice and legacy, he tells the journalists and voyeurs to leave, realizing he is one of the few who truly understood Gatsby.

Post-Summer 1922 Gatsby's Mansion, West Egg
14

Nick's Departure

Feeling disillusioned with New York and the empty lives of its inhabitants, Nick decides to leave the city. He reflects on his tumultuous experiences and begins to pen his memoirs, which will eventually become the novel 'The Great Gatsby' that chronicles Gatsby's life and dreams.

Fall 1922 New York City

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:51

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Gatsby

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Great Gatsby. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Gatsby

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

Similar Movies to The Great Gatsby

Discover movies like The Great Gatsby that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.