Nick, played by Sam Waterston, resides in a house bordering the estate belonging to the mysterious Gatsby, portrayed by Robert Redford, and finds himself captivated by him. He possesses considerable wealth inherited from his family and frequently throws extravagant gatherings for people he scarcely knows, events he often doesn't even attend. Unexpectedly, Nick receives an invitation to one of these parties and then a chance to meet Gatsby, who turns out to be different than he imagined. This marks the beginning of an atypical bond that exposes him to a world characterized by superficiality, deceit, and some truly unpleasant people. Gatsby has become infatuated with Daisy, portrayed by Mia Farrow, who is married to the rather uncivil Tom, played by Bruce Dorn, and much of this extended drama centers on the emerging connection between these two men and the latter’s increasingly questionable way of life, which doesn't unfold as Nick expects. This adaptation adheres closely to F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel—and it might have been successful if staged in a theatrical setting. However, what we are given is a lengthy character study that feels verbose and frankly quite lifeless and mechanical. The production seems overly dependent on visual elements – the costumes, sets, and lavish parties; the visuals are undeniably beautiful. It’s intended to be a love story, but the connection between Redford and Farrow doesn't feel genuine. I never really understood her reputation—her performances often seemed inconsistent. Waterston's narration also becomes somewhat monotonous, and the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and those struggling to survive isn't explored at all. The standout performance comes from Karen Black as Myrtle; she’s perhaps the only character who conveys a sense of personality while navigating her marriage and an affair. It’s a story about self-centered and inconsiderate individuals, but this version simply doesn't manage to convey that emotional depth—or any emotion at all, really. There’s plenty of style, but it lacks heart.

Source on TMDB