Baz Does 'Gatsby?'

An Australian to handle the quintessential great American novel? Hmmm …

Nikke Finke at Deadline Hollywood Daily is reporting "exclusive" inside information that Baz Luhrmann will make The Great Gatsby for 20th Century Fox as his next project. Finke says the Aussie director is looking for cast members now, Cinematical.com reports.

Luhrmann will have his work cut out for him. First, it might be tough for him to capture that true American, roaring ‘20s spirit. His slick Moulin Rouge tricks won’t work here.

Second, a couple of Gatsby big-screen adaptations have already been attempted -- the 1949 Alan Ladd/Betty Field version and the 1974 Robert Redford/Mia Farrow version -- and neither one were well regarded (although Redford as Gatsby was a good choice).

Lastly, Luhrmann’s sappy, over-budgeted Australia is still trying desperately to make back its money. And that was a movie he did in his OWN country.

Oh well, maybe third time will indeed be a charm.

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