Character Changes:
* Nick Carraway: The film portrays Nick as more involved in the action and more emotionally invested in Gatsby and Daisy. He is also depicted as being more reckless and less of a reliable narrator.
* Daisy Buchanan: The film's Daisy is more cynical and manipulative than the book's Daisy, who is often portrayed as more innocent and naive. She is also more actively involved in Gatsby's downfall.
* Tom Buchanan: The film portrays Tom as more physically imposing and brutish, emphasizing his violence and aggression.
* Jordan Baker: Jordan's character is significantly reduced in the film, with her role as a professional golfer being minimized.
Plot Changes:
* The timeline: The film condenses the timeline of events, particularly the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. The film's pacing is much faster than the novel's, which allows for more visual spectacle and faster development of the romantic triangle.
* Gatsby's past: The film elaborates on Gatsby's past more, including his relationship with Daisy and his early life in San Francisco. This is an attempt to add depth to his character, but it also simplifies some of the novel's more nuanced explorations of his motivations.
* The ending: The film's ending is more visually dramatic, with a climactic confrontation between Gatsby and Tom. This adds a sense of action to the story, but it deviates from the novel's more subtle and melancholic conclusion.
Visual Style:
* Setting: The film features a more opulent and extravagant version of the Roaring Twenties, with lavish parties and extravagant costumes. This contrasts with the more subdued tone of the novel, which often focuses on the characters' inner lives and anxieties.
* Music: The film incorporates contemporary music and hip-hop elements, which add a modern twist to the story. This is a departure from the novel's more traditional style, but it helps to make the story more accessible to a contemporary audience.
Overall, the 2000 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" takes liberties with the source material, making significant changes to character development, plot points, and the overall tone of the story. While some viewers appreciate the film's more dynamic and visually appealing approach, others may find that it sacrifices the novel's nuance and depth in favor of spectacle.
It is important to note that many readers and viewers still enjoy the film, even with its deviations from the book. It's important to approach both works as distinct interpretations of the same story, each with its own merits and strengths.