op·u·lent
adjective \-lənt\
: exhibiting or
characterized by wealth, affluence : abundance, profusion : as (a) : having a large estate or property : wealthy [hoping to marry an opulent widow] (b) : amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often
to the point of ostentation [living in opulent
comfort]
[an opulent upper crust that liked to show off
its possessions]
[an opulent mansion filled with priceless art
and antiques]
From: Latin opulentus,
from ops power, help; akin to Latin opus work
First Known Use:
1523
The cinematography of this year’s remake of The
Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, is certainly evocative of the Jazz Age as the United States of
America sees itself. The image contrast
of the wealthy and the poor is quite striking.
Both Vicki and I were a bit disconcerted by the occasional use of
contemporary music, although it did seem to point out the similarities of the
1920s with the 2010s.
**Spoiler Alert**
I must have read Gatsby in High School, but I’ve slept since then. The story seemed familiar and new at the same
time. Several of the characters needed—as
my mother would put it—to be put in a sack and shaken. I did remember that the story ended badly for
everyone, including the narrator.
It’s nice to see Leonardo di Caprio as an
adult. In my opinion, he’s beginning to
look a bit like Orson Welles and Marlon Brando as they matured: still handsome yet without the
wet-behind-the-ears look of extreme youth.
Our quote for the day is from William Shakespeare (1564–1616), The Tragedy of King Lear:
Lear— To thee and thine hereditary ever
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom;
No less in space, validity, and pleasure,
Than that conferr’d on Goneril. Now, our joy,
Although our last and least, to whose young
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy
Strive to be interess’d, what can you say to draw
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.
;^)
