The Great Gatsby (1974)
'70s adaptation is visually stunning, emotionally distant.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Great Gatsby (1974)
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel is quieter and less splashy than the more recent offering starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and it's also more emotionally distant. There are a few instances of violence that show blood, including a lot of blood spreading in water; a character is briefly shown starting to suck on very bloody fingers; and a man hits a woman, giving her a bloody nose. Sexual content involves mostly unspoken dynamics in adulterous relationships, but characters kiss in several scenes, sometimes passionately but without tongue. Profanity is infrequent and mild, with a few "damns" here and there, but young kids graffiti the word "s--t" onto a bench.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Nick Carraway (Sam Waterston) lives in a cottage next door to the splendid estate of the wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby (Robert Redford). As Nick gets to know his neighbor, he's drawn into Gatsby's glittering but shallow world, and through his eyes we watch as Gatsby brings all his resources to bear on making his dream come true, which is to reunite with his lost love Daisy Buchanan (Mia Farrow). But Daisy's married now, and her loutish husband Tom (Bruce Dern) isn't going to just let go of her.
Is It Any Good?
This gorgeous production is easy on the eyes, with a dashing, handsome, golden Robert Redford and an equally golden and doe-eyed Mia Farrow. The acting is fantastic. But it takes an arm's-length approach, possibly to emphasize that we're seeing things through Nick's eyes, and, without the benefit of Fitzgerald's gorgeous prose, there's little here for the audience to connect with emotionally. So much is understated that in the end you feel like, well, nothing much was said. Kids who are looking for a way to connect to their freshman-year reading assignment will probably find the 2013 version more engaging.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about trying to relive past, better times. Do you agree with Nick that you can't repeat the past, or with Gatsby, who says you can? Why?
Have you read the novel or seen other filmed versions of The Great Gatsby? Which version do you like the best? Why?
If you've read the novel, do you think this movie version is true to it? What things got left out or changed?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 27, 1974
- On DVD or streaming: December 3, 2003
- Cast: Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Bruce Dern, Sam Waterston
- Director: Jack Clayton
- Studios: Paramount Pictures, Newdon Productions
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship, History
- Run time: 144 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Awards: Academy Award, Golden Globe
- Last updated: February 3, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Great Gatsby
Fitzgerald classic gets a decadent, gorgeous, tricky update.
-
Out of Africa
Enthralling epic about 1900s Africa tackles mature subjects.
-
Pride and Prejudice (1980)
A respectful -- though long -- dramatization.
For kids who love classics
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate