The Use of Modern Music in The Great Gatsby: A Deliberate Artistic Choice

When The Great Gatsby was directed by Baz Luhrmann in 2013, the decision to incorporate modern music into a story set in the 1920s was not an accident. This choice was a strategic and intentional artistic decision aimed at bridging the gap between the narrative's historical context and contemporary audiences.

Emotional Resonance

One of the primary reasons for using modern music was to emotional resonance with today's viewers. By integrating contemporary songs into the soundtrack, the filmmakers sought to create a connection that felt more immediate and relatable. Modern music has the power to evoke feelings and emotions that are often more familiar to a modern audience, thus creating a stronger emotional link to the characters and events in the story.

Creative Interpretation

Baz Luhrmann, known for his bold and innovative style, chose to reimagine the classic text with modern music to highlight its themes of excess, ambition, and the American Dream. These themes are still relevant in contemporary society, making the narrative accessible and engaging for a modern audience. The use of modern music allowed for a fresh and innovative interpretation of Fitzgerald's work, adding a contemporary twist to the timeless story.

Cultural Context

The cultural context of the film's modern soundtrack serves to emphasize the timeless nature of the story's themes. The lavish parties and hedonistic lifestyle depicted in the film parallel contemporary culture, making the narrative more accessible to a modern audience. By incorporating modern music, the filmmakers were able to create a bridge between the past and present, allowing viewers to connect with the story on a more personal level.

Marketing Appeal

Another reason for the inclusion of modern music was its marketing appeal. Utilizing well-known contemporary artists and songs can attract a younger audience and generate interest in the film, enhancing its commercial viability. In a world saturated with popular music, the inclusion of these well-known artists helps to create a sense of familiarity and relatability, which can increase the film's appeal to a broader audience.

Understanding "Modern Music" in The Great Gatsby

Some viewers have questioned what they mean by "modern music" in the context of The Great Gatsby. Indeed, Schoenberg, Bartok, and Satie, who are known for their avant-garde and experimental compositions, are not directly referenced in the novel. Fitzerald's text primarily quotes or mentions popular songs from the early 1920s, such as "The Beale Street Blues," "Three O’Clock in the Morning," and "Ain’t We Got Fun." These songs were current at the time the story takes place, making them modern in a temporal sense, but not in a musical sense.

Even in the famous party scene in Chapter III, where Gatsby's orchestra plays a fictional piece called "Jazz History of the World" by Vladimir Tostoff, it is important to note that this piece is imaginary. While the novel suggests this music created a sensation when played, it is not a reference to real avant-garde music. Common-sensical Nick, who is the narrator, does not understand it, as he says it "eluded" him. This fictional piece, therefore, does not represent the use of modern, experimental music as one might understand it in today's context.

In conclusion, the use of modern music in The Great Gatsby, 2013, was a deliberate artistic choice that aimed to bridge the gap between the historical narrative and contemporary audiences. By focusing on emotional resonance, creative interpretation, cultural context, and marketing appeal, the filmmakers were able to create a unique cinematic experience that resonates with both the themes of the original novel and the sensibilities of today's viewers.