Director Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!) certainly had his work cut out for him adapting The Great Gatsby (in theaters on May 10) into a movie. The novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is probably on every high school reading list across America, and it is likely one of the most revered books in popular culture, so the movie is under a bigger microscope than most. With his unique, lavish filmmaking style, Leonardo DiCaprio as his leading man, and Jay-Z as his soundtrack, Baz looked to conquer the critically acclaimed beast. Did he succeed?

The Reviews Of ‘The Great Gatsby’

New York Daily News

For those willing to go with the champagne flow, this version has undeniable allure. The party scenes are dazzling spectacles only studio money could buy. The contemporary soundtrack, which combines jazz with Jay-Z, suggests some timeless connections. The Prada costumes and extravagant set design — by Luhrmann’s wife, Catherine Martin — are astoundingly gorgeous. Luhrmann has created an experience, in other words, not unlike the events Gatsby throws himself. Luhrmann piles on one shiny distraction after another. But amid all the seductively gaudy excess, DiCaprio finds both the heart and hurt buried within one of literature’s everlasting enigmas.

New York Times

Mr. Luhrmann’s reverence for the source material is evident. He sticks close to the details of the story and lifts dialogue and description directly from the novel’s pages. But he has also felt free to make that material his own, bending it according to his artistic sensibility and what he takes to be the mood of the times. The result is less a conventional movie adaptation than a splashy, trashy opera, a wayward, lavishly theatrical celebration of the emotional and material extravagance that Fitzgerald surveyed with fascinated ambivalence.

New York Post

Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby is the first must-see film of Hollywood’s summer season, if for no other reason than its jaw-dropping evocation of Roaring ’20s New York — in 3-D, no less. Given the director’s penchant for visual bombast and the superhero-sized budget at his disposal, it’s also surprisingly satisfying (and text-faithful) as a dramatization of F. Scott’s Fitzgerald’s classic novel — thanks to stellar work by Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role and Tobey Maguire as his neighbor and only true friend, Nick Carraway.

Los Angeles Times

The Great Gatsby began on paper, with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel, and on paper Gatsby sounds like quite the film. On screen, though, things start to fall apart. Directed by razzle-dazzle impresario Baz Luhrmann, this Gatsby boasts the charismatic duo of Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan as romantic leads, 3-D as its format, a soundtrack rife with proven hitmakers, a Jazz Age setting and a theme of the American Dream gone sour that still resonates today. Whatever could go wrong? With some exceptions, a whole lot.

New York Magazine

The best thing about Baz Luhrmann’s much-anticipated/much-dreaded The Great Gatsby is that, for all its computer-generated whoosh and overbroad acting, it is unmistakably F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. That is no small deal. The last major adaptation, in which a recessive Robert Redford reunited with a blank Mia Farrow, substituted deadly Brit tastefulness for Fitzgerald’s polished American vulgarity—the polish (like the characters’ opulence) a façade through which we can discern the baseness of the Jazz Age high life. No one can say that the Aussie hot dog Luhrmann lacks the requisite vulgarity. And no one can say that he tries to upstage his source. In the movie’s inane framing device, Nick Carraway is in rehab typing a memoir overseen by an eager shrink. As Fitzgerald’s words emerge from Nick’s typewriter, they sometimes drift across the screen (into our faces, if you see the film in 3-D)—a ding-a-ling gimmick, but a reminder, at least, that there is a greater Gatsby elsewhere. The movie is juvenile but could have been so much worse.

“Could have been worse” — it sounds like The Great Gatsby is at least worth seeing, right? Check it out and let us know what you think, HollywoodLifers!

WATCH: ‘The Great Gatsby’ Trailer

– Andrew Gruttadaro

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Acting alongside Leonardo DiCaprio is intimidating enough – but actually acting as Leo is an entirely different challenge, one Callan McAuliffe was thrilled to take on. The Australian heartthrob, 18, tells HollywoodLife.com about his transformation into the Hollywood icon for his new role in Baz Luhrmann‘s The Great Gatsby, in theaters May 10, and reveals where you can see him next!

Read on for our full interview with Callan McAuliffe…

This movie’s going to be huge. Are you excited for the world to see you in action?

I’m in the film for a short time, in flashbacks actually, because I play the younger Gatsby. It’s all about discovering how Leo’s character came to be the way he is, how he developed his personality. It was great fun, quite a short shoot for me. I was in Northern Australia for the entire production, but I didn’t shoot until the last week.

Had you read the book before doing the movie?

I did! I’ve read it twice now, once when I was in school. My teacher actually forced me to read it, and I hated it because of that. But then I was cast in the movie, so I took it upon my self to read the book. And on the second reading, I actually really liked it. Maybe it was because I was older and could actually understand it — but maybe it was just because I wasn’t forced to read it.

And you play a young Leo! That must have been kind of an ego boost.

[Laughs] I actually had to work hard to make any resemblance whatsoever. They made my hair blond and straightened it, and they gave me blue contacts, which were a pain to fit. I think I had to go in for five different sets of fittings for the contacts, because I have brown eyes, so they had to have specially painted contacts. That was an experience in itself. They did a lot of stuff to make it somewhat believable, and having seen my footage, I think they did pretty damn well.

I know you didn’t get to act with Leo, since you play his younger self, but did you get to meet him?

Yes, I made an effort to talk to him quite a bit. The first time I met him was outside the bathroom after we’d all read the script. He had just washed his hands, so they were wet, and it was quite awkward. But every other time was great; he’s a really cool guy.

Aside from Gatsby, you have some really interesting projects coming up. What’s Blue Potato all about?

It’s a coming of age story about two kids in a small country town trying to find their own paths. I shot that in northern Maine; there were about 30 people on the crew. It was a small film, but that should be an interesting project to look out for.

And Kite?

That was a larger film, and I actually just came back from South Africa, where she shot it. Samuel L. Jackson is in it, and that was great fun. He’s fantastic to work with — very laid back, similarly to Leo, actually.

WATCH: ‘Great Gatsby’ Trailer, Featuring Callan McAuliffe

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

Isla Fisher sat down with Kelly Ripa and Michel Strahan on May 1 to chat about her role in the highly anticipated film The Great Gatsby. The gorgeous 37-year-old looked half her age as she sported a short, white dress and adorable, soft waves in her hair. To top it all off, the actress wore a pretty, black bow to compliment her hair look. Do you think Isla’s look was too girly?

Isla Fisher On ‘LIVE With Kelly & Michael’ — Love Her Black Hair Bow?

The Confessions of a Shopaholic star turned to popular celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin to style her gorgeous locks for the morning talk show. Similar to what Jen once did to Khloe Kardashian, the hairstylist designed a lovely half updo for the actress’s appearance on the show complete with a cute bow. Jen took to Instagram on May 2 to post a photo collage of the beautiful masterpiece she created in Isla’s hair, specifically focusing on the hair bow.

“#IslaFisher on @KellyandMichael today. Makeup @kateydenno  #TheBowIsBack!,” said Jen’s photo caption.

The hairstylist even added a cute, hair bow emoticon into the photo caption. The bow served as the centerpiece of Isla’s half updo while the rest of her long locks were styled into soft waves. Of course, the accessory was a cute touch to Isla’s look, but was it really necessary?

HollywoodLifers, do you love or loathe Isla’s hair bow?

– Brittany Chanel Jackson

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Isla Fisher and Carey Mulligan were gorgeous as they stepped out on the black — not red — carpet at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City on May 1. Although the two ladies rocked opposite beauty looks, they both looked magnificent. Which did you prefer, HollywoodLifers? Vote below.

‘Great Gatsby’ Premiere Beauty — Isla & Carey

Carey’s stunning red dress required little makeup. Her skin glowed with a breathable foundation. Her eyes were accentuated with a thin liner and black mascara. She wore just a hint of dark pink gloss on her lips and filled in her brows with a light brown pencil. Understated and elegant! Her hair was slighty teased in front and pulled into a small bun near the back of her neck.

Isla embodied old Hollywood glamour with her stunning red hair in soft waves. She wore a bright red lip and a sexy cat eyeliner on her eyes. Gorgeous!

On May 1, Isla’s hairstylist Jen Atkin wrote, “So much fun getting #IslaFisher ready 4 the #Gatsby premiere tonite! @kateydenno @JillLincoln#Dolce&GabbanaDress #RedLips#BouncyWaves.”

On May 2, she posted a photo collage of Isla on the carpet, saying: “#IslaFisher 4 the #GreatGatsbypremiere. Makeup @kateydenno Hair @atkinjen Styling Jill Lincoln 4@rachelzoe.”

Carey wore a Lanvin dress, Brian Atwood shoes, and Tiffany & Co. jewels.

Isla wore a Dolce & Gabbana dress and shoes, Fred Leighton jewels and a Roger Vivier clutch.

Which beauty look did you love most, HollywoodLifers?

WATCH: The Great Gatsby Trailer

– Dory Larrabee

More ‘Great Gatsby’ News:

1. Nina Dobrev Stuns In Sexy Dress At ‘The Great Gatsby’ World Premiere
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3. Beyoncé Covers Amy Winehouse For New ‘Great Gatsby’ Trailer — Watch

When it comes to getting glam, Nina Dobrev never disappoints! The 24-year-old star stepped out on May 1 for The Great Gatsby world premiere in NYC at Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where the star wowed in a Versace frock from the Spring 2013 collection.

Nina Dobrev ‘The Great Gatsby’ Premiere Dress:

The star looked seriously sultry in the ensemble which worked so well against her complexion. The form-fitting dress hugged her svelte frame while the hemline hit a couple of inches above her knee. A gold pair of Rupert Sanderson ‘Elba’ pumps matched the embellishments on the dress while the crystallized heel added to the glam ensemble. A black Jimmy Choo clutch framed in gold tied the premiere perfect look together. Susan Foster earrings added to the look without making the outfit seem too busy. While some young stars might have piled on the accessories, Nina knew better and kept the focus on the exquisite detailing of the dress — she’s such a pro!

Nina Dobrev’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ Premiere Beauty:

Nina’s signature glossy locks were worn wavy and swept to one side in a retro fashion. Kohl-rimmed eyes and a nude lip complimented the dress. She looked flawless!

I’m always so impressed by Nina’s choices on the red carpet and the latest look was no exception. She manages to dress sexy, age-appropriate and chic every time she steps out.

What do you think of Nina’s look? Is it one of her best dresses ever?

Katrina Mitzeliotis

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Carey Mulligan, 27, looks fabulous on the newest cover of Vogue in a bright and beautiful Oscar de la Renta dress.  She wore roaring twenties-inspired jewels, which were provided by Tiffany & Co., and put together by costume designer, Catherine Martin. While styled in the clothing of the character she is playing, the Pride & Prejudice star embodied the time period of author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work. Film director, Baz Luhrmann, made sure to audition nearly every A-list actress in Hollywood, but Carey was the only one to make the cut.

Carey Mulligan Takes The Cake

“Because of Leonardo, Daisy became a hugely desired role,” said the director, who allegedly saw Scarlett Johansson, Michelle Williams, Blake Lively, Keira Knightly, and Natalie Portman.

Originally from Westminster, London, England, Carey gained extensive recognition in 2009 for her leading role as Jenny in An Education. She won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Seven Actors Guild Award for her performance.

Carey later started in dramatic films such as The Greatest, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, and Never Let Me Go.

The Great Gatsby is set to premiere in theaters May 13, 2013.

Leonardo DiCaprio Supported Carey Mulligan

When Baz asked Leonardo Dicaprio, 38,  for his opinion of Carey’s audition, he replied, “Well… I guess that’s the Next Big Thing in acting.”

“We’ve seen a lot of great actors, but Daisy has got to be a kind of hothouse flower, something that Gatsby never encountered before, such that he feels an obsession to pretect her,” Leonardo told Vogue.

How exciting! We are sure that Carey will make a great Daisy Buchanan. Let us know what YOU think, HollywoodLifers – do YOU like her on the cover of Vogue?

Vogue

– Yakira Young

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2. Carey Mulligan Wedding Dress Details
3. Carey Mulligan Marries Marcus Mumford 

It’s a good day to be Beyoncé. Not only did the Grammy winner release a brand-new Pepsi commercial April 4, but she’s also featured on the latest trailer for Leonardo DiCaprio‘s The Great Gatsby. With a little help from Andre 3000, B covers Amy Winehouse‘s “Back To Black,” contributing to the chilling tone of the new trailer.

Also lending their vocals are Lana Del Ray (“Young And Beautiful”), Florence + The Machine (“Over The Love”), Sia (“Kill And Run”), Gotye (“Hearts A Mess”) and The xx (“Together) — all of whom appear on the movie’s equally buzz-worthy soundtrack.

WATCH The New ‘Great Gatsby’ Trailer

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

More Beyoncé on HollywoodLife.com:

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If this great trailer is any indication, The Great Gatsby will definitely be one of the hottest movies of the year.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the upcoming film and it looks incredible. Plus, 37-year-old Leo has some of his hunkiest scenes ever in the flick!

Will YOU go see The Great Gatsby, HollywoodLifers?

– William Earl

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