Friday Afternoon Movie at Bernardsville Library: "The Great Gatsby"

Bernardsville Public Library will continue its monthly series of Friday afternoon movies on Friday, July 28 at 2:00 pm with a showing of "The Great Gatsby" (2013) starring Leonardo DiCaprio along with Tobey McGuire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton and Elizabeth Debicki in supporting roles.

The movie is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel of the same name, which is often described as the supreme achievement of the writer's career. It's a story of 1920's America, of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, and of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession.” Of the movie, The New York Times reviewer wrote, “[Director Baz Luhrmann]...sticks close to the details of the story and lifts dialogue and description directly from the novel’s pages. But he has also felt free to make that material his own, bending it according to his artistic sensibility.” We’ll talk about this after viewing the film.

Critics were divided in praise and criticism of the movie, but it was popular with audiences. As of 2016, it is Baz Luhrmann's highest-grossing film, having earned over $350 million worldwide. At the 86th Academy Awards, the film won in both of its nominated categories: Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.

Future films in the Friday afternoon series range from documentaries to comedies to classics and drama and will be shown on the fourth Friday of the month at 2:00 pm. They are selected for cultural enrichment and for appeal to a wide variety of tastes and interests in the community. The series is made possible by gifts to the Friends of the Bernardsville Library and is organized by a committee of Friends. Ed English, a long-time filmmaker, heads the committee. The hope is that viewers will linger after the films to discuss them. In some cases, books and other supporting materials will be recommended before the films. Upcoming films include the "My Blue Heaven" (1990) starring Steve Martin on August 25 and "Paths of Glory" (1957) starring Kirk Douglas on September 22.

There is no charge to attend the movies; advance sign-up is requested, but not required. To register online go to www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.