WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (REVIEW)
Rated M - 120 mins
Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Robert Pattinson, Hal Holbrook,
Karynn Moore, Paul Schneider
Roll up, roll up. This much hyped romantic drama is worthy
of the praise and I'm delighted to announce Robert Pattinson leaves
his pale, fanged Twilight persona behind, for now anyway.
Fans of the best-selling book by author Sara Gruen will
also rejoice as this lovely film keeps close to the original prose and
refines the elements throughout. Set in the late 1930's, it's a time
of prohibition and depression. The rituals and customs of those who
have lived their lives under the 'Big Top' when it was the number one
form of entertainment, proves to be an intense subject matter. Jacob
Jankowski (Pattinson) is a young veterinary student who abandons studies
after some fateful news his parents have been killed. Leaving town and
stumbling directionless along a railroad track, he jumps onto a passing
steam train which happens to be a travelling circus.
Not wanted at first, Jacob manages not to be thrown off
by talking the harsh power mad ringleader to keep him on as their vet.
It isn't too long until the gorgeous star attraction, a horse riding
beauty called Marlena captures the complete attention of Jacob. However,
Marlena is the boss's wife and any flirtation is not recommended around
her unhinged husband. A familiar by the numbers forbidden love triangle
which ensues is only the beginning of the scenario.
Candid observations of circus life and carnival workers
shows this is no glamorous life for employees and in some incidences,
the animals. Be warned, although it may not be graphic, discomforting
images of animal cruelty is apparent in certain scenes. It's part of
the story of the era and trick photography prevails, but still confrontational
in moments which may cause animal lovers to wince. Acting is faultless
from Oscar winners Christoph Waltz as the evil showman and Reese Witherspoon
in a selection of eye catching fashion as the graceful Marlena. Her
passion with a brooding Jacob does not always sizzle, but any chemistry
is usually short-lived by emotional conflict.
A sequin wearing elephant known as Rosie is the real superstar;
she delights and shows a real attraction to her human co-stars, not
to mention an array of manoeuvres on command.
Not just a romance, a provocative film crammed with surprises that explores
the roles that coincidence or fate plays in everyday lives. Destiny
prevails.
I must mention veteran Hal Holbrook (Magnum Force, Capricorn
One) who plays the aged Jacob, retelling his adventures as narrator
70 years later. His minimal scenes are cinema perfection. Glossy photography
and delicate costumes round out an absorbing must see film!
Shane
A. Bassett
