Gatsby is clearly an inspirational novel; it inspired a diamond collection (see Lina's post below), a fragrance line, two movies, and a song...

This song was written by a High School senior who loved "The Great Gatsby" and was an aspiring song writer. Notice the many references to "TJ's eyes". The writer is most likely referring to the eyes of Doctor TJ Eckleburg that watch over the valley of ashes. Do you notice anything else about the song? Do you agree with the writer's interpretation of Daisy's role in Gatsby's death? Why or why not?

Great Gatsby Collection

I was casually going diamond shopping without buying anything because diamonds are expensive when I stumbled upon the Great Gatsby Collection at Tiffany's (not really, I was just reading an article about making the movie). It turns out Tiffany's supplied the props for the upcoming movie to give an air of greater authenticity to Daisy Buchanan.

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=29430136

The link leads you to the $200,000 headpiece the actress playing Daisy (Carey Mulligan) wore. When she wore the headpiece, a security guard had to follow her around.

Fashion, Poster, Song

Many updates! The new movie for the Great Gatsby is everywhere!

1st: Brooks Brothers has a line of clothes inspired by the Great Gatsby. Although the line is really cool, I can't help but think that it is only a ploy to make people buy more suits. People will see Gatsby and want  his pink suit because it is a symbol of luxury. The prices range from $55 to $848.

Sources:

http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/fashion-collabs-to-covet-great-gastby-line-at-brooks-brothers-and-issa-x-banana-republic-1.5077478

http://thpfashionblog.com/2013/04/19/brooks-brothers-catherine-martin-bring-gatsby-to-life/

2nd: Has everyone seen the poster ad for The Great Gatsby? I've seen it everywhere from afar. I only saw today the creepy owl-eyes in the background. It the owl-eyed man! Why do you think the designer of this poster put in the man that only comes up a few times in the novel?

3rd: Florence + the Machine came out with a song for the movie. There are green lights, yellow dresses, lovers, and drunkenness. It's perfect for The Great Gatsby!

I like the way the song escalates when she says "I sing from the piano, tear my yellow dress"
Opinions?

...Okay, that's it.  Phew!  I'm Gatsby-ed out.

BBC News: Fitzgerald's Accounts

At 10:24 am today (April 29), BBC News posted an article on Fitzgerald's handwritten accounts and records on various subjects.  Included was the amount of money he made from The Great Gatsby, which was $2,000.  I calculated how much value that would be in today.  Surprisingly, the sum comes out to be $24,360.  It isn't very much considering that The Great Gatsby is a classic.

Also, one interesting part of the article is at the end, where it is noted that based on the accounts, Fitzgerald was a terrible speller and (very poor in his arithmetic).

Here is the link to the article
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22340106

The Great Gatsby 1974: Myrtle

Today we talked in class about whether we imagined Myrtle as a red head or a brunette.  Here is a video clip from the 1974 movie of The Great Gatsby.  Not only is Myrtle a red head, but she is wearing red lipstick and bright, fiery orange clothes.  I think this movie did a good job in physically showing that Myrtle is the fire among the ashes of Queens.

Gatsby Sales, Covers, and More

I found this video and article by the New York Times about the Gatsby's increase in sales and popularity since the movie trailers have been released. Clearly we are more motivated to read an old book more just because a new movie is coming out. I also found it interesting that the old cover is selling more than the new cover with the actors on it. I think it is a good sign that people still want to read the book and not just watch the movie!
http://nyti.ms/10DNhXv

-Shira

Gatsby and rain

In chapter 5, I thought the whole rain thing was really metaphoric. I thought it was interesting that Gatsby tells Nick the rain will stop at four, which is also when Daisy was due to show up. It's almost as if Gatsby thinks all of his problems will be gone when Daisy's there. In reality, the rain doesn't stop until he and Daisy have talked for a while and sorted some things out. It's kind of like an illusion vs. reality comparison.