US critics were underwhelmed by The Great Gatsby. Picture: Village Roadshow / Warner Bros Source: Supplied
LEADING US critics seem to have been dangerously underwhelmed by Baz Luhrmann's $180 million adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
"It doesn't mean a thing if it ain't got that bling," observed influential industry trade magazine Variety.
"Arguably, the movie reaches its orgiastic peak 30 minutes in, with the first full reveal of Gatsby himself (Leonardo DiCaprio), accompanied by an explosion of fireworks and the eruption of Gershwin on the soundtrack. Where, really, can one go from there?" said chief film critic Scott Foundas.
The Hollywood Reporter was a little warmer in its review, published ahead of the film's May 15, opening night screening at the Cannes Film Festival.
"As is inevitable with the Australian showman who's never met a scene he didn't think could be improved by more music, costumes, extras and camera tricks, this enormous production begins by being over-the-top and moves on from there," said veteran critic Todd McCarthy.
"But given the immoderate lifestyle of the title character, this approach is not exactly inappropriate, even it if is at sharp odds with the refined nature of the author's prose."
Both publications singled out "lithe, long-limbed (Australian) newcomer" Elizabeth Debicki for special mention.
"We don't see enough of Daisy's best friend, the sporty, haughty Jordan Baker ... Debicki, who, with her towering slim build, black hair and pool-like blue eyes resembles an elongated Zooey Deschanel, is terrific," said McCarthy.
Fellow Australian Joel Edgerton also got the thumbs up from the established industry rag.
"Edgerton is excellent as the proud, entitled and seething bully Tom."
And Variety also praised Luhrmann's wife Catherine Martin (already a double Oscar winner for Moulin Rouge) who "once again stands out for her production and costume design."
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