Video interviews: Baz Luhrmann and the 'Gatsby' cast

Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is one of the most ambitious films to hit theaters in quite some time. The colorful drama couldn't have been in better hands than that of the exciting visionary, who helmed such whimsical romances as Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge.

The 3-D adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1920s classic features Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton and Isla Fisher.

Luhrmann's version of the story is faithful to the Jazz Age tale, but the director's extensive research inspired him to add additional elements to the screenplay, which he co-wrote with Craig Pearce. For instance, a number of scenes were inspired by letters that were exchanged between Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda. Also, the film draws heavily from an early draft of Gatsby, called Trimalchio.

The film marks another collaboration between the Australian visionary and his wife, Oscar-wining designer Catherine Martin. The result is a pastiche of colors and styles that both convey the tone of the period and the emotions of the characters.

Like Luhrmann's previous work, one of the most intriguing aspects of The Great Gatsby is its eclectic score. Produced by Jay-Z, the soundtrack includes new music from Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey and Florence and the Machine.

HEA had the chance to chat with Luhrmann, Mulligan, Edgerton and Fisher about their approach to their roles, research and the book's most prevalent themes.

Up first, our interview with Carey Mulligan, who plays Daisy Buchanan:

Here's the interview with director Baz Luhrmann:

And the interview with Isla Fisher (Myrtle Wilson) and Joel Edgerton (Tom Buchanan):

As a book, film and pop culture journalist, Justine Browning, now on-camera reporter for MovieWeb, has interviewed celebrities such as Steve Carell and Meryl Streep. She's also an avid reader of romance novels. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter (@OnTheMovieScene).