Leonardo Dicaprio didn't like the 1974 version of 'The Great Gatsby'.

The actor takes the lead role of Jay Gatsby in Baz Luhrmann's updated adaptation of the classic F. Scott Fizgerald book, but admits he was initially sceptical about the role because he didn't enjoy the book upon first read and didn't care for an earlier version of the film starring Robert Redford.

He told website Best Movie: ''I had read 'The Great Gatsby' and seen the Redford film, but to be honest, I hadn't really loved it. I couldn't understand it.''

However, the star eventually re-read the 1925 novel after the Australian director told him he landed the rights to make a new film - and he grew to love the story.

He explained: ''One day Baz left an old copy of the book on my table saying, 'I got the rights to make it a film and I want to do it with you.' So I re-read the book and had an epiphany. I could finally see and understand Gatsby as the great American dreamer.''

In the film, DiCaprio plays a lovelorn billionaire who tries to win back the love of his life, socialite Daisy Buchanan (played by Carey Mulligan), who has since married wealthy businessman Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton).

The opulent 3D drama also stars Tobey Maguire and Isla Fisher.