Review: Based on the novel of the same name by Sara Gruen, this film seems to have all the elements for a sweeping romance: a historical setting, an orphan boy who runs away to join the circus, a forbidden love, heartthrob Robert Pattinson in the leading role…just add water. The end result is mostly delicious, but the water`s short by one or two cups.
The film is undeniably very absorbing, thanks in most part to the lavish period setting of America circa 1931. There is old-world charm in spades, helped along by a lush and beautiful musical score by James Newton-Howard and lovely period costumes designed by Jacqueline West. The movie opens in the present day, with Hal Holbrook as an older Jacob popping up as a framing device, like in Titanic strengthening the old-fashioned appeal.
Unfortunately, a lot of it hinges on Robert Pattinson, who has some way to go as a leading man. His pulchritude only carries him so far, and especially acting against a force of nature like Christoph Waltz, Pattinson is stuck at the shallow end. Sorry Rob but at times he even has trouble out-acting the elephant.
Waltz plain steals the show out from under everyone`s noses. He`s one of those actors who can be charming and scary all at once, and displays formidable charisma reminiscent of his Oscar-winning turn in Inglorious Basterds. As ringmaster August, he can play the whole spectrum from crazed madman to insecure business-owner and weaselled husband.
Reese Witherspoon puts in a good deal of effort, having to learn how to perform circus tricks opposite an elephant. As the woman pushed into a corner by a possessive, abusive and powerful man, she brings some palpable emotion to the table. Alas, the pairing of her and Pattinson never quite works, a spark very obviously missing between the two.
Water for Elephants excels as a sweeping historical drama, but due mostly to the lack of chemistry between the leads doesn`t function as well as a romance. Still, it`s hard not to be pulled along by the train cars of this travelling circus.
A sweeping and immersive historical drama, Water For Elephants is somewhat crippled by Robert Pattinson`s distinct lack of leading man chops, but has Christoph Waltz and an elephant to save the day.
Jedd Jong