MOVIE REVIEW … WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

 

Those saying ‘they don’t make films like they used to’ obviously haven’t seen Water for Elephants.  Its film-makers must have been delighted when Sara Gruen penned the book on which it is based. It has all the ingredients of the over-ripe melodramas of old. Fans of such Mills and Boon-like frivolity should be thrilled as it wrings all it can from its love triangle in an old fashioned film where the animals seem more animated than humans.

Joining the circus to escape a life of poverty in the Great Depression, Jacob (Robert Pattinson) falls for Marlena (Reese Witherspoon).  The star attraction and married to the domineering August (Christoph Waltz), she and Jacob form a strong attachment.  Bonding over a newly acquired elephant, they walk the tightrope between forbidden passion and excitement.  With August’s ruthless demeanor ever so prevalent, their lives become a whirlwind under the Big Top’s bright lights.

Glossy, emotionally calculating and filled with photography flattering its stars, Water for Elephants aims to grab its target audience.  Fans of romances will know exactly how events will pan out with little room given for originality or surprises.  This could be comforting for audiences wanting to see a slower paced story.  It does well during the circus scenes effectively showing the life of a performer and the effort needed to put on a grand show.

Unfortunately the performances are uneven at best.  Pattinson still channels his famous Twilight role and shows little emotion as does Witherspoon in an oddly dispassionate romantic coupling.  It’s left to Waltz to provide the fiery element needed and he rises to the occasion admirably.  A man used to controlling his charges with emotional and physical violence, Waltz’s role is a wonderful study in cruel ruthlessness. His performance is much better than the film deserves.

Viewers will hardly be stunned by what transpires in Water for Elephants.  Predictable in the extreme and as substantial as a Barbara Cartland novel, lovers of the genre will lap it up whilst others may be wise to see a real circus to experience some genuine excitement.

Movie Review Rating  5  / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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