Topic > Cultural Messages in The Great Gatsby - 998

Within the film, West Egg and its inhabitants represent the nouveau riche, while East Egg and its inhabitants, particularly Daisy and Tom, represent the old aristocracy. Luhrman presents these nouveau riche as rather vulgar, gaudy, ostentatious, and lacking in social graces and taste. This notion is particularly evident in the depiction of Jay Gatsby and the spoils of his luxurious and decadent lifestyle, achieved through the profound development of the set into the production of a monstrously decorated mansion, of epic proportions; it resembles his life of excessive decadence and excess, but is unable to guarantee ultimate happiness. In contrast, embodied by the Buchanans is the old aristocracy with displays of grace, taste, finesse and elegance, demonstrated through the refined home and flowing white dresses of Daisy and Jordan Baker. The East Eggers, however, prove to be rather careless and reckless bullies with their deep resources, which have proven to strip them of all human responsibility and morality. Luhrman through the Buchanans near the conclusion of this film, where after Daisy kills Myrtle, they simply move to a new, distant residence rather than condescend to attend Gatsby's funeral; allowing them to distance themselves from the tragedy not only physically but psychologically. This also shows Jay Gatsby's character, although his recent wealth comes from criminal activities, he is sincere hearted and loyal, ironically it is these characteristics that are the cause of his death, taking the blame for killing Myrtle rather than allowing Daisy Buchannan will be