Water For Elephants Film Review

Robinson Galleria, Cinema 7 P171

Director: Francis Lawrence

Starring : Reese Whiterspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz

I actually have not read the book version of this film so prior to watching this film; I do not have the slightest idea about it. I just thought that its trailer look promising and I love the leading actors in it.

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 inhouse veterinarian and fell in love with Marlena (Reese Whiterspoon) , the wife of the circus’s owner August (Christoph Waltz) who gave him special treatment but is greed for money and is cruel to his crew.

Jacob and Marlena had the same passion for animals and their love ensues until August suspect them having an affair. The two escape 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 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 lures you to hate him terribly. 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 kinda disappoint as the circus’ star attraction. For a short period of time, how could someone be so inlove with a perfect stranger???? Moreover, there was no chemistry between Reese and Robert at all. I also thought that the dialogues were a bit off.

However, the cinematography and the musical score are to die for. The scenery are exquisitely shot and the music was perfectly rendered. It thought the whole film was trying to be melancholic but failed into that category and leaves the audience into deep thinking – what the heck was that???!!!!

I’ll give it a 5/10 ratings.

- paddylast