The Irony of Gatsby Going Hollywood

Just three days ago, a modern version of The Great Gatsby came out in theaters all across the country. It was extremely hyped in the media, and there were even fashion lines dedicated after it by companies like Brooks Brothers and Tiffany's. All of the media attention and lavish, expensive products seemed to match up very well with the description F. Scott Fitzgerald gave us in the book. But what I don't think many people realize is that the way the movie has been made in Hollywood is almost exactly what Fitzgerald was criticizing in the book.

Extreme wealth and elegance proved to be not as good as it sounded for Jay Gatsby. He died alone, never having truly loved anyone nor being truly loved by anyone else. In fact, almost nobody showed up to Gatsby's funeral because he was not able to develop an emotional connection with anyone. Though he threw tons of expensive parties, he never really was happy.

The making of the movie, and the $200,000 tiara made by Tiffany's in honor of the book is something that F. Scott Fitzgerald would look down on. In fact, on the very last page of the book, he says: "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us" (180). The fact that the green light, which represents wealth and money, receded before us every year indicates that it gets harder and harder for people not only to maintain their wealth but also to live a life that is enjoyable.

Gatsby getting Hollywood-ized to me is ironic because the book critiques that kind of lavish lifestyle and attention. Do you guys think Fitzgerald was content with the movie itself and the build-up? Why?