We don’t know about you, but we Urchins have been long overdue for a trip to the movies. There are notable new releases on the forefront, and we thought we’d share with you what’s up on our horizon in case you’d like to join us!
The Great Gatsby
When Baz Luhrmann first became attached to a cinematic adaptation of The Great Gatsby, I knew the world was in for a treat. But nothing prepared me for the beauty, drama, and visual brilliance of the trailers that have been released over the last six months, each more stunning than the last. There could be no greater Gatsby than Leonardo DiCaprio and no more perfect Daisy than Carey Mulligan, but the trailers make it clear that it is Luhrmann’s vision that will make this film more than a mere adaptation of Fitzgerald’s classic work.
Every emotion and nuance from the novel has been transferred delicately and exquisitely onto the screen. Luhrmann’s depiction of Gatsby’s world is more full and beautiful than my imagination could have ever even allowed, yet it fits like a glove over the self-formed ideas and imagery of my readings. As with the casting, each shot from the trailers makes me think, ‘Yes, of course that’s how it was.’ Though the film will be released in the US on 10 May, I’ll be anxiously counting the days until its 30 May debut in Australia. Luckily, this gives everyone a chance to re-read the book in preparation and anticipation!
London: The Modern Babylon
English documentarian Julien Temple’s now got a few captivating docs under his belt, with subjects ranging from Joe Strummer of the Clash to twenty-first century Detroit. Now he melds his passions for music and cities in his latest documentary, London: The Modern Babylon.
I love a good portrait of a city. This one, about London no less, attempts to explore the modern transformations of this age-old metropolis through the modernity of its media. Through film and music footage, London: The Modern Babylon may offer a fresh take on all the changes we may not notice about our favourite city.
