Adapting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, to film presents inherent challenges. The process of translating the nuanced prose, internal monologues, and symbolic richness of the literary work to a visual medium necessitates alterations and omissions. Comparing a film adaptation to its source material reveals choices made by filmmakers regarding plot, character development, thematic emphasis, and overall tone.
Understanding the variations between a book and its cinematic counterpart provides valuable insights into the art of adaptation. It illuminates the strengths and limitations of each medium, highlighting how different narrative techniques function. Studying these adaptations can deepen appreciation for both the original work and the creative interpretation presented on screen. Furthermore, exploring these changes within the specific historical context of each adaptation provides a lens through which to examine evolving cultural values and filmmaking practices.