The Great Gatsby - Movie VS Book - Exploring the Differences

The Great Gatsby is a classic novel that has been adapted into several movies over the years. While each adaptation has its own unique style and approach.

I think that the Great Gatsby book and movie are pretty different in a lot of ways. The book has a lot of depth and nuance that's hard to capture on screen, while the movie has to rely more on visuals and music to tell the story.

Plus, the book has a lot of internal monologues and flashbacks that are hard to translate into film. That being said, I think the movie does a pretty good job of capturing the overall feel and tone of the book.

1. Narrative

One of the biggest differences between the book and the movie is the way they handle the narrative. The book is told entirely from the perspective of Nick Carraway, while the movie takes a more traditional approach and shows events from multiple perspectives.

This means that some of the subtleties and nuances of the book are lost in the
movie, which has to rely more on visual cues and dialogue to convey the story.

In the book, the story is narrated by Nick Carraway, who is also a character in the story. However, in the movie, there are several scenes where Nick is not present, and the story is instead narrated by a psychiatrist who is treating Nick for alcoholism.

2. Characters 

Another major difference between the book and the movie is the way they handle the characters. In the book, the characters are much more complex and well-developed, with a lot of internal monologues and backstories that are hard to translate into film.

The movie, on the other hand, has to rely more on visuals and music to convey the characters' emotions and motivations.

Also, While the movie stays true to the overall characters of the book, there are several differences in their personalities and motivations. For example, in the book, Daisy is portrayed as more of a victim, while in the movie; she is more of a manipulative character.

3. The Period

The book is set in the 1920s, while the movie is set in the 1920s but with a modern twist. The movie features modern music, fashion, and technology, which were not present in the book.

4. The Parties

The parties in the book are described as wild and extravagant, but they are relatively tame compared to the parties in the movie. The movie features elaborate dance numbers and special effects, which were not present in the book.

5. The Ending 

The ending of the book is much more ambiguous than the ending of the movie. In the book, it is unclear what happens to several of the characters, while in the movie, the ending is more definitive.

6. Symbolism 

The book is known for its use of symbolism, such as the green light at the end of Daisy's dock and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. While the movie includes these symbols, it does not place as much emphasis on them as the book does.

7. The Tone 

The book has a more somber tone than the movie, which is more upbeat and flashy. The movie focuses more on the glamour and excitement of the 1920s, while the book explores the darker side of the era.

Final Thoughts

I think that the differences between The Great Gatsby book and the movie are pretty significant. While the book is a classic piece of literature with a lot of depth and nuance, the movie has to rely more on visuals and music to tell the story.

However, both the book and movie are great in their own way. The book is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time, while the movie is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful adaptation that captures the spirit of the book uniquely.

Despite these differences, I think both of them offer a unique perspective on this timeless story. Whether you prefer the book or the movie, there's something to appreciate in each one.

Written by - Iman Fede