Adaptation Of The Great Gatsby

An era characterized by flappers, radio and cinema, Prohibition, bathtub gin, the speakeasy, and organized crime, America during the 1920’s, became known as the “Roaring Twenties”. These images make up the cultural atmosphere and setting for the Great Gatsby novel and film adaptation. Upon analysis of director Jack Clayton’s 1974 film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, the film would be categorized as a close adaptation given most of the narrative elements in the literary text are intact, with very few exceptions. That being said, the strongest elements of the adaptation are founded in the continuity of the major theme, symbols, and plot, on the other hand, the portrayal of the key characters would be considered the weakest element.

The major theme is translated from novel to adaptation with a high level of consistency. The predominant theme in The Great Gatsby novel centers on wealth and is is presented in Clayton’s film with perfect integrity. Wealth is explored in both media via the lifestyles of the East and West egg socialites. From the gaudy mansions, the sporty cars, the

T.J. Eckleburg, are also strong elements of the adaptation. In the novel the narrator, Nick, describes Gatsby reaching out his hand as if he were grasping the light. With impeccable similarity the adaptation recreates this scene as Nick looks on from the lower dock area. Secondly, the billboard with the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg appears prominently in the film. In similar fashion to the green light, the Dr.’s eyes are present in the same scenes in text and film, in several instances in particular when Nick and Tom travel to the city, stopping at Wilson’s garage. Again when Gatsby and Nick drive into the city, and lastly when the entire group takes their fateful gaunt into the city. The agreement between the two media with respect to the dominant symbols further demonstrates the closeness of the