Water for Elephants (2011)
First of all, I read the book first, which I thought was a good idea. It was, and so I felt a lot more ready to watch the film once I'd done that.
Second, I loved both. The film is obviously shorter and didn't have the depth of the book, but otherwise it hardly feels altered at all. And I loved it - with or without the cuts.
What is Water for Elephants about?
Set in the 1930s, a former veterinary student takes a job in a travelling circus and falls in love with the ringmaster's wife. (from IMDB)
My review of Water for Elephants
The cast
The love triangle (of sorts) isn't original, but the setting and story are original enough in themselves to avoid the cheesiness and cliches and still give the whole film a very fresh feeling. It is, to be honest, a very refreshing take on the usual 'cruel-husband-hot-headed-boy-beautiful-wife' set-up.
The acting is brilliant all round. Robert Pattinson gives a strong, intense performance even next to acting talents like Christoph Waltz, and Reese Witherspoon is delightful. Pattinson's performance is so intense and thoughtful, and I thought he was the perfect choice for the role of Jacob.
Christoph Waltz is in an cliched role (for him), but he’s still excellent. Reese Witherspoon is enchanting; though she lacked Pattinson's connection with the animals.
Oh, Pattinson is just brilliant with the animals. He connects so well with them, and every scene with him and Rosie gloriously brightened up the screen. The emotion of certain scenes, like when Rosie gets beaten with the hook, are so heartbreakingly portrayed, and together Pattinson and Rosie really touched my heart.
Yes, I loved Jacob & Marlena, but it was the touching friendship between Jacob & Rosie who truly stole my heart in the end.
The biggest of only two cons I found in the film is the lack of chemistry between Pattinson and Witherspoon. It’s almost painful to watch. The real chemistry is between Pattinson and the adorable elephant Rosie (her real name's Ty; FYI, I prefer Rosie). In addition, I thought there were too few scenes between Marlena and Jacob and Rosie; especially lacking was the connection the book so vividly portrays between Marlena and Rosie. I missed that.
Story and plot
Beautifully entertaining and fun. A little rushed at times; the climax is slightly different from the book, and the animal stampede comes out of nowhere.
Visuals
Gorgeous. The cinematography is lovely, and the film showcases the shine and sweat, the grit and glamour, of the circus life with enchanting ease and realism. I was, quite honestly, swept away into the world of Water for Elephants.
