Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'70s adaptation is visually stunning, emotionally distant.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Great Gatsby (1974)
Parent and Kid Reviews
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
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Paramount Pictures , Newdon Productions
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , History
- Run time : 144 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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