Water for Elephants

Starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, and Christoph Waltz, Water for Elephants is about Jacob (Pattinson) who joins the circus as its vet after his parents die. Waltz plays August, the circus owner, and Witherspoon is Marlena, his wife, and Jacob's love interest.

My thoughts on those involved: I loved, loved, loved Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds, there's something about his face, mannerisms, voice, and acting that is so fascinating you can't help but like him and want to see more. After a stumble with The Green Hornet, Waltz is back to form in Water for Elephants, he has that same vindictive but charming persona as he did in Basterds and I love him for it. I may not say it as loud and proud as others, but I am a fan of Twilight, I'll admit to not having read the books, but I have seen the movies and eagerly wait for the new one to come out this year. A big part of Twilight is, of course, Robert Pattinson, he is just so darn dreamy. His shy smile, his intense eyes, his tousled hair, strong cheekbones, he just exudes romance. In this movie he is chivalrous, smart,  moral, *sign* everything. Witherspoon is a sweetheart, enough said.

I realize this movie was based on a book, a very good book I am sure, but unfortunately I haven't read it either. I'm sad to say I haven't done a lot of reading lately, and while books are generally infinitely better than movies, they are just more of a commitment than I have been willing to make lately. Anyways, the point I was getting to was that one of my favourite aspects of this movie that the book wouldn't have(other than Waltz and Pattinson of course) is the beautiful visualizations of the 1930's (argue with me about your mind's eye all you want, valid point). The clothing, the music, the buildings, and foremost, the circus itself was just a treat for the eyes. I went to the circus probably every year it came to town when I was young and none of that comes even close to the spectacle that came out of those train boxcars.

I really liked this story too, the fact that it takes place during the American depression with a traveling circus is different and cool. The story in a story with the old Jacob telling the story kind of reminds me of The Notebook which I think we can agree on as probably one of the best love stories of our time (as a young person). But unlike The Notebook, where the chemistry between Rachael McAdams and Ryan Gosling was just bursting out of them, the same cannot be said for Reese and Robert. They kiss once, and then pretend it didn't happen, and then all of a sudden she's willing to run away with him? I'm not buying it, there wasn't enough build up or tension. No real stolen glances or hand grazes, you know, the standard forbidden love stuff. And I know they were trying to tell us that pretty much the only reason Marlena is with August is for stability, but to be honest, I believed their love for each other was stronger than Marlena's love for Jacob, and I don't think that's what the director was going for. And this lack of chemistry is what keeps this good movie from being great. I wanted their love to be so intense that it made me cry when they were torn apart or when they get their happy ending, but it didn't. That scene were August is calling out Marlena and Jacob for having an affair should have been powerful and sad, but it was just random, because in reality, nothing had really happened between them except that one kiss.

The lack of chemistry can almost be forgiven though because everything else works so well, the acting, the story, the set, all really well done. But like I said before, this movie could have been great.

   
This makes me laugh more than it should.