-EITHER-
Watch the movie, and then write a letter to Baz Luhrmann in which you discuss the extent to which you feel he has captured the spirit of The Great Gatsby. Make specific reference to scenes in the movie and book that inform your opinion.
As you write, you'll be interested in reading this, and also some of these. Read some of the reviews you disagree with (whether you loved it and a critic hated it or the converse, that'll be very thought-provoking). How do these opinions clarify your impressions of the movie? In your letter, quote and respond directly to at least two interesting or provocative things people have said about Luhrmann's movie. How does it provoke further thought in you?
In your conclusion, be very clear about the effect that the movie has had on you, how it has made you think differently or more deeply about the book... or life.
Mail it to him:
I'll provide postage.
-OR-
Pretend you are his editor, and write a letter to F. Scott Fitzgerald about the title of the book.
Check out this telegram he wrote to his editor just before publication:
If he could have, he would have changed the name of the book from The Great Gatsby to Under the Red, White, and Blue. But it was too late; the book was going to press.
In your letter, pretend that there would be time to make the change, if he wanted to. Counsel him about whether or not he should. Which is the better title for the book? Why? In your answer, consider the different merits of the two different titles. What does each capture about the book? Quote specific moments from the book to illustrate your points.
This should be a multi-paragraph letter, each paragraph detailing one deep thought you have about the titles.
For obvious reasons, we probably will not send this letter.
-OR-
Pretend you work in the design department of the publishing company that has the rights to a brand new edition of this book. Create the new cover, and write a letter to your boss, explaining your design choices.
The letter should go into detail, showing how this new cover more effectively highlights the essence of the book than the cover of the edition everyone's been reading. Use a paragraph for each of the important design elements.
Leonardo DiCaprio has not authorized his likeness to be used.
-OR-
Write a eulogy for Gatsby's funeral, from either your perspective or Nick's, knowing all that you know. Make sure you describe what made Gatsby great. Then put his life into social context: describe what went wrong in his life.... not just the fact that he was a criminal... what did he aspire to? What was wrong with the values of the society that he lived in? How did this destroy him? You must quote (and cite) the book at least three times in your eulogy.
-OR-
Propose, consult with me, and complete a project of similar intensity.