The Great Gatsby

Factual error: In the beginning of the film, when Nick flashes back to 1922, he mentions that the buildings were taller, and a shot of the Empire State Building is shown. But construction on that didn't even start until 1931. Even the Chrysler Building didn't start construction until 1929.

Factual error: The movie takes place in the summer of 1922. They played Rhapsody in Blue, which wasn't written till 1924. The bandleader is obviously Cab Calloway. Cab Calloway's first recordings with the Missourians weren't until 1928. "Oh! You Have No Idea" also wasn't recorded until 1928, and it was sung by Sophie Tucker, not Josephine Baker (although they do credit Ms. Tucker in the final credits).

BocaDavie

Factual error: Trains of various types appear in several shots but the trains shown - likely all CGI - are completely unlike any trains that were in use in New York in the 1920s or in any other era. They appear to be based on Australian prototypes and their design differs significantly from American trains.

Factual error: The "French" phone shown as they talk about the intrusive unwanted guest calling Tom wasn't invented until about the mid-30's. In 1922, you still had to hold the candlestick phone in one hand and talk into the mouthpiece while holding the earpiece up to your ear.

BocaDavie

The Great Gatsby mistake picture

Continuity mistake: During the dinner scene at Tom's, a couple of shots before Tom's phone rings and he goes to answer it, Nick's wine glass is about half full. After Daisy leaves to go to Tom and the shot cuts back to Nick, the level of wine in his glass has notably decreased, without him touching it. (00:09:50)

Casual Person

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Jay Gatsby: I knew it was a great mistake for a man like me to fall in love.

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Trivia: The waiter who brings Nick to Jordan's table to meet for tea after his lunch with Gatsby is the film's director, Baz Luhrmann.

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Question: In the scene where Gatsby is telling Nick his origin story, Nick narrates that Cody (a man he saved and sailed the ocean with) died and he was cheated out of his inheritance by Cody's family and he was once again dirt poor. After this part has been narrated, a clip of spinning newspapers is shown of what happens to Gatsby after this. As this happens, if you listen in the background, you'll notice that there is a song beginning to play. What is this song that is playing? (01:09:40)

Chosen answer: The song is "Back to Black" by Beyoncé (Feat. Andre 3000).

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