The red carpet on opening night in Cannes this year is a potential blockbuster, and so perfectly appropriate: Australian director Baz Luhrmann’s 3D rendering of “The Great Gatsby.” Luhrmann’s take on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire. Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, and Joel Edgerton co-star.
The Cannes announcement also says that rapper entrepreneur Jay Z will be at opening night. Okay, why not? Apparently, Jay Z and a group called The Bullits, as well as Prince and Lady Gaga, have songs on the new Gatsby soundtrack. (Roll over, Cole Porter.) And Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan is coming as well.
“Gatsby” is appropriate because Fitzgerald wrote some of the book in nearby St. Raphael. This is also the second 3D movie to open the festival and the first live action. Animated “Up” in 2009 was in 3D.
This is a highly anticipated movie. “Gatsby” was supposed to be ready for Christmas 2012, but missed its date thanks to the 3D work. Warners has a lot riding on it. Luhrmann never fails to entertain, so this will be hot stuff. Cannes opens on May 15th.
