Directed by Francis Lawrence. Starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, and Hal Holbrook.
Having read the book before watching Water for Elephants, it seemed to me that it would be pretty hard to mess it up -- the story is just that good. This proved to be true. So, while this isn't an incredible film, it's a good one, all because of its core plot, characters, and sparkling circus magic.
It's hard to boil this story down to a single genre or category. It's a historical piece that delves into the world of a traveling circus during the Great Depression. It's a coming-of-age story, and a dealing-with-age story, as its main character Jacob, in his 90s, reflects on the formative years of his life in his 20s. It's a spectacle film, while it's also driven by its narrative. Yet above all, it's a love story -- about forbidden love, love overcoming obstacles, and love triumphing in the end.
Following the death of his parents and loss of life as he knew it, young Jacob starts walking along the railroad tracks, lost, and looking for what to do next. The next chapter of his life very nearly runs him over, literally, in the form of a Benzini Brothers' Circus train. There, he delves into a new world, drawn to the circus' magic and, in particular, to the beautiful Marlena. The catch, (there's always a catch) is Marlena's husband August... owner of the circus (or, in the book, second-in-command), who is at times vindictive, kind, cruel, helpful, and downright frightening.
Of all the performances, Christoph Waltz's is the most impressive. This is due, of course, to his sheer skill -- witnessed most notably in an Oscar-winning role in Inglorious Basterds. Waltz crackles with electricity in every moment and brings every mood-swing to terrifying fruition. He is perfectly cast -- it's as if the role was written for someone with that twinkle in his eye, and that hardness in the set of his jaw.
Robert Pattinson, who I have mixed feelings about due to his body of work, turns in a solid performance. He is is emotional, yet also subdued, as he is not the center of the show, but rather the eyes watching it -- the audience's main subject of identification. And, indeed, he does a lot of watching and gaping and staring in this film. Reese Witherspoon is similarly good -- perhaps not great, but she certainly turns in the right attitude for her character. There's something slightly flat about the chemistry between the two actors. This was saved in my mind only by the chemistry of the characters, a holdover from my powerful experience reading Sara Gruen's novel.
Above all, I enjoyed a certain quality of the filmmaking that's difficult to put my finger on. There's a magic to the lighting, to the loving way the circus is brought to life. This is an enjoyable movie, but it's not a fluffy rom com. It's more serious than that. It has its dark moments, yet also its frivolity. At times romantic, suspenseful, and intriguing, it carries you away -- even if it's not the kind of film to make such a big impression that it will stay with you for years to come. (The same could NOT be said of the book, though, as it is an even more powerful experience and I likely WILL remember it for quite some time). In all, this is a good film to curl up with on a sleepy afternoon, particularly if you read and liked the book.
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