Gatsby To Open The 66Th Cannes Film Festival

Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of the popular F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio will open this year’s festivities at Cannes. DiCaprio will also be in attendance for the event, the first time he has attended Cannes since 2007.

Luhrmann’s epic production has been a long time in the making, initially given a release date of Christmas 2012, Warner Bros. pushed back its opening in order to ensure its maximum audience... In other words, the summer blockbuster market was a much better bet for Luhrmann than Christmas.

The Great Gatsby is based on the classic Fitzgerald novel, but is also a remake of the beloved film production starring Robert Redford. However, Luhrmann who is remarkable for making any story his own, (remember Romeo and Juliet) promises quite the spectacle.

The director is making a return to Cannes 21 years since his debut feature Strictly Ballroom was screened at the festival and surprisingly, the film will be screened in 3D for the audience, only the second occasion that this has happened.

Luhrmann commented: "We are thrilled to return to a country, place and festival that has always been so close to our hearts."

DiCaprio plays the character of Gatsby while close friend, Tobey Maguire stars as Carraway, the neighbour who will become obsessed with the lavish lifestyle of Jay Gatsby. Carey Mulligan features as Daisy Buchanan.