Baz Luhrmann’s production of The Great Gatsby is being slammed in reviews but it’s already a runaway box office hit. After attending the film’s lavish premiere at Cannes Film Festival The Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief Helen McCabe says forget the critics, Gatsby is incredible.
The movie which this week opened the 66th Cannes Film Festival opened to mixed reviews on the French Riveria.
However Edgerton, 38, as Tom Buchanan dominates the screen despite playing opposite Hollywood leading man Leonardo DiCaprio.
The movie, shot in Sydney is a classic Luhrmann production with a dizzying array of special effects.
It tells the story of the mysterious Jay Gatsby famously played by Robert Redford in 1974 who obsesses over a lost love played by Mia Farrow (Carey Mulligan).
The 3D remake is expected to be a box office smash despite some disappointing reviews and a lukewarm response in Cannes.
It has already taken $51 million in box office takings in United States.
The story of budget blow-outs, delays and mixed reviews has plagued Luhrmann’s career.
But there is no doubting his commercial appeal, taking audiences on an exhilarating ride even if at two hours and twenty two minutes it is a touch long.
His appetite for lavish sets and his wife’s talent for costumes combine to create moments of pure cinematic magic.
Cameo appearances from a number of Aussie film stars occur throughout the movie.
Cannes is transformed for the festival with thousands of people flocking to the South of France as part of the event.
A number of major companies such as L’Oreal Paris set up in the luxury hotels to advertise their products and introduce their ambassadors to the international media continent.
Australia’s L’Oreal ambassador Megan Gale arrives on the weekend.
The Great Gatsby opens in Australia on May 30.
