Where to start
The Great Gatsby
2 versions · originally a book, 2004
The Great Gatsby chronicles the tragic collision between obsessive romantic idealism and the hollow, shimmering facade of the American Dream.
✦ Most fans start here
The Great Gatsby (2004)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald · Book · 2004
The Great Gatsby (2004) serves as the definitive source material, offering F. Scott Fitzgerald’s original prose that explores the internal psyche of his characters with unparalleled lyrical depth and nuance.
2013 film
The Great Gatsby
Baz Luhrmann · Film · 2013
The Great Gatsby (2013) transforms the narrative into a high-octane spectacle, utilizing Baz Luhrmann’s signature maximalist visual style to emphasize the excess and moral decay lurking behind Gatsby’s lavish, gilded world.
Common questions
Is The Great Gatsby book from 2004 a different story than the 2013 movie?
Both the 2004 edition of The Great Gatsby book and the 2013 movie are adaptations of the same original source material. While the medium differs between the written text and the film, the narrative core and the characters remain consistent across both versions.
Should I read The Great Gatsby book before watching the 2013 movie?
Reading the book version of The Great Gatsby first allows you to experience the original prose and internal monologue of the characters. Watching the 2013 movie afterward provides a visual interpretation of the settings and events described in the text, helping you compare the two distinct creative formats.
What order should I experience The Great Gatsby adaptations?
There is no required order, but starting with the 2004 book edition provides the foundational narrative. Following the book with the 2013 movie allows you to see how the director translated the written scenes and atmosphere of The Great Gatsby into a visual cinematic experience for the audience.
How long is the 2013 movie adaptation of The Great Gatsby?
The 2013 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby has a runtime of approximately 143 minutes. This feature-length production covers the major plot points found in the book, condensing the narrative into a visual format while maintaining the central themes and character arcs of the original work.