Gatsby Opening Sequence

Question 1

**Shot Two: Gatsby Reaching Towards The Green Light.””

Camera:

Dialogue:

Brief Analysis:

Themes:

Answer 1

Camera: Over-The-Shoulder, long shot from Gatsby’s perspective.

Dialogue: “He seemed to be reaching towards something out there in the dark… The green light” -Nick

Analysis: The green light symbolises Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future since Gatsby associates it with Daisy. Nicks dialogue proves this fact.

Themes of wealth, dreams, love and loss.

Question 2

Shot Three- Gatsby watching Nick from castle window

Camera:

Dialogue:

Brief analysis:

Answer 2

Camera: Low angle, mid-shot from Nick’s perspective of Gatsby watching him from the mansion which is partially concealed by ivy.

Dialogue:
“Colossal Castle” - Nick.
“this house and everything in it is all part of an elaborate disguise.” -a partygoer.

Analysis: Gatsby cloaked in secrecy. Attempting to lure Daisy. Raw ivy represents concealment and the fact he is hiding something (his facade).

Question 3

Shot one: The Green Light

Camera:

Brief Analysis:

Theme:

Answer 3

Camera: High angle/Long shot of the green light reflecting over the bay.

Analysis: Very important shot. First shot audience sees. Represents Daisy. GREEN light represents envy and the colour of money. Gatsby may be jealous of Tom and Daisy being together, and Tom’s “old money”.

Theme of envy.

Question 4

Shots Four And Five- The Mansions

Camera:

Brief Analysis:

Answer 4

Camera: Long shots of contrasting mansions.

Brief Analysis:

Old money vs new money. White and red mansion represents tradition and white supremacy.

Gatsby’s mansion is much more modern looking, which links to the new money idea. Gatsby’s castle is very tasteless and is a copy of another castle, which is used to show Gatsby’s mimicking nature.