The lighting in this scene is mostly artificial. Although it is extremely bright, the scene is set at night time. The director has decided to keep the characters and foreground in bright light and to keep the sky a dark colour to symbolise the time of day. The lighting techniques used stay the same throughout the scene, and do not change. The only exception of this is when Nick is introduced to Gatsby. As the fireworks go off, the light that is expelled from them can be seen reflecting onto Nick’s face. This is to show how impressive and extravagant the firework display is, and creates a more dramatic feel when being introduced to Gatsby.
This same light from the fireworks could also be interpreted to a different meaning. As Gatsby is wealthy and powerful, the light that shines onto Nick’s face could also be representing how Nick feels inferior and overpowered by Gatsby. The light from the fireworks is coming from the same direction as where Gatsby is standing (from behind Gatsby), and it acts as a spotlight to highlight his presence. It is almost as though the director is trying to convey Gatsby as a ‘God-like’ character, and the light that flashes from behind him is representing how Gatsby is a mysterious character. Since Nick has been drinking alcohol, a question sparks in the viewer’s mind as to whether Nick is hallucinating Gatsby’s presence, and whether he is merely dreaming of their encounter.
This same light from the fireworks could also be interpreted to a different meaning. As Gatsby is wealthy and powerful, the light that shines onto Nick’s face could also be representing how Nick feels inferior and overpowered by Gatsby. The light from the fireworks is coming from the same direction as where Gatsby is standing (from behind Gatsby), and it acts as a spotlight to highlight his presence. It is almost as though the director is trying to convey Gatsby as a ‘God-like’ character, and the light that flashes from behind him is representing how Gatsby is a mysterious character. Since Nick has been drinking alcohol, a question sparks in the viewer’s mind as to whether Nick is hallucinating Gatsby’s presence, and whether he is merely dreaming of their encounter.