Film: Water for Elephants
Cast includes: Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line), Robert Pattinson (Twilight), Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds), Hal Holbrook (All the President’s Men)
Director: Francis Lawrence (Constantine)
Genre: Light Drama (2011) Based on the novel by Sara Gruen
In brief: As it turns out, the old man who doesn’t want to go home knows a thing or two about circuses… in particular, the Benzini Brother’s Circus. “Are you telling me you were there… for the most famous circus disaster in history?” He was, indeed. And he’s easily persuaded to tell his story…. While taking his final exams in veterinary medicine at Cornell, Jacob Jankowski receives tragic news. His parents have been killed in a car accident. It’s 1931, the depths of the depression, and there’s even more bad news when Jacob learns about his parent’s finances. Jacob heads out to find work. Following a depression era tradition, he hitches a ride on a moving train. This train turns out to be the Benzini Brother’s circus. Maybe he can get a job as a roustabout. “He can carry water for elephants”… except they have no elephants.
August, the owner, is surprised to learn that Jacob knows something about that lame horse. Jacob stretches the truth, saying he’s a graduate of Cornell and convinces August that the circus should have a vet. August soon welcomes Jacob into the inner circle, and before long Jacob is dining regularly with August and his beautiful wife Marlena. Although August can be quite charming, there’s an evil streak just under the surface. In fact, everyone fears August… with good reason. When August acquires an elephant named Rosie, in a desperate attempt to boost box office sales, he makes Jacob the “bull man.” It’s Jacob’s job to train Rosie to do impressive tricks. August feels the only way to train Rosie is with the bull hook, and he gladly demonstrates how cruel he can be. But Jacob has more luck with a kinder approach. It’s not a concept August can relate to. Sooner or later there’s going to be trouble.
Based on a tremendously popular novel, Water for Elephants is bound to disappoint many who loved the book and feel the film lacks depth. I’ll admit I didn’t read the book, but books and movies are inherently different and have to be evaluated on their own. It’s not a complicated story. The plot direction and conclusion are never in question. Jacob (the good guy) and August (the bad guy) are on a collision course, with Marlena and Rosie at the center of the conflict. It’s an adult fairy tale with lush production values. Christoph Waltz as August exudes sadistic menace. Robert Pattinson as Jacob is awfully appealing to look at… as are the gals, Marlena and Rosie. It’s an entertaining 2 hours, even if it falls short of being “the most spectacular show on earth.”
3 popped kernels
An adult fairy tale with lots of visual appeal
Popcorn Profile
Rated: PG-13
Primary Audience: Teens & Young adults
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream wide release
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Cruses comfortably
Visual Style: High-end production
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
