Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 cinematic adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel was primarily shot in Australia. Sydney and its surrounding areas, including Fox Studios Australia and locations like Centennial Park and Waverley Cemetery, stood in for 1920s Long Island and New York City. This decision, though surprising to some, allowed for the creation of a visually stunning and stylized interpretation of the Jazz Age setting.
The choice of Australia as the production’s backdrop impacted the film’s aesthetic significantly. The availability of studio space and diverse locations within a manageable radius facilitated the construction of elaborate sets and enabled the filmmakers to realize their vision on a grand scale. While the decision to film outside of the United States initially sparked debate, it ultimately contributed to the film’s unique visual identity and underscored the universality of Fitzgerald’s themes.
