Various media reports are claiming Baz Luhrmann’s highly-anticipated film The Great Gatsby received a less than enthusiastic reception at the Cannes Film Festival.
Gatsby, though not competing at Cannes, was a surprise choice to open the 66th Festival. In the spirit of the film’s Jazz-age, 1920’s “flapper” dancers hit the red carpet on Wednesday night as well as stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and director Luhrmann.
Despite the party atmosphere of both the festival and the film, Gatsby did not appear to inspire much excitement in the audience.
According to Gregg Kilday of the Hollywood reporter, “instead of a de rigeur standing ovation, the 3D movie’s conclusion was met with polite but muted applause.”
ABC Online went one further, claiming “the Roaring Twenties classic got a cool reception at a press screening, where it met prolonged silence punctuated by some whistles of disapproval and a smattering of supportive applause.”
Luhrmann has defended his film against the mixed reviews to the press.
"I knew that would come. I just care people are seeing it," he said.
However he also joked he wouldn’t be adverse to some positive reviews if critics were leaning that way.
“I mean I made Moulin Rouge! and Romeo and Juliet, and Strictly Ballroom for that matter,” he said. “And they never got one of those big high critic scores. By the way, don’t get the wrong idea, I love it, so if you’re thinking about it go for it. Don’t hold back!”
The Great Gatsby hits Australian cinemas on May 30.