The Great Gatsby was anticipated to make its theatre premier during last year’s holiday season, but Luhrmann had not completed work on the film and its premiere was therefore delayed. Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the lead role playing jay Gatsby, the literary icon of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Carey Mulligan also stars in the film as Daisy who is Gatsby’s love interest. Jason Clarke, Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton and Jason Clarke also star in the film.
Luhrmann expressed his excitement at headlining the Cannes saying that it represented a return to the country where “Strictly Ballroom,” his first film, screened 21 years ago. He added that France was close to their hearts being the place where F. Scott Fitzgerald developed “some of the most poignant and beautiful passages” in a Villa near St. Raphael. In 2001 Luhrmann’s ‘Moulin Rouge’ also headlined the fete. After its Cannes debut, the film will also screen on May 10th in the States.
