Director: Francis Lawrence
Based on the book by Sara Gruen
Starring: Resse Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Hal Holbrook, Christoph Waltz,Tai, James Frain, Paul Schneider, Ken Foree, Tim Guinee, Mark Povinelli, Scott MacDonald, Jim Norton, Richard Brake, Sam Anderson, John Aylward
Water for Elephants is about the young Cornell Veterinary undergrad Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) who found himself in the midst of the Circus world as the in-house veterinarian who fell for Marlena (Reese Whiterspoon), the wife of the circus’s owner August (Christoph Waltz.)
Jacob and Marlena had the same passion for animals and their love ensues until August suspects them having an affair. The two escapes by jumping off the circus’s train but August easily discovered them. Marlena appeared in her last show as August’s wife and Benzini’s Circus star attraction when that fateful fight ensues that would change hers and Jacob’s life forever.
I thought Christoph Waltz was amazing [as usual] as the villain August and was very much effective as the cruel Circus head master. His acting here reminds me of his award- winning Col. Hans Landa portrayal in Inglorious Basterds. He’s got that subtle darkness in him that makes you hate him terribly. Robert Pattinson was rather disconnected into this film. I didn’t feel enough emotion from him, there was too -much “Edward Cullen-ish” in his acting which isn’t good at all. Reese on the other hand kind of disappoint as the circus’ star attraction. For a short period of time, how could someone be so in love with a perfect stranger???? It was like as good as an escape scapegoated as falling in love. Moreover, there was no chemistry between her and Pattinson at all. I also thought that the dialogues were a bit off.
For some good points, the cinematography and the musical score are to die for. The sceneries were exquisitely shot and the music was perfectly rendered.
It thought the whole film was trying to be melancholic but failed miserably which made me think that they’re trying to recreate a The Notebook v2. Really?! Unfortunately, it didn’t work. No Sirreee.
Rating: 5/10
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