In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he's transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena's cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.
If I were to sit here and write solely on the plot of Water for Elephants, I would tell you how disappointing it turned out to be. The love triangle that is at the core of the story is rushed, underdeveloped, and has an anticlimactic farewell. It is far less interesting then it should be because they focus a good portion of the time on the circus itself. That is not a bad thing because the circus turns into a character of its own, but they should have either focused majority of its attention on one subject, rather than try to divide its focus between the two. The big disaster promised at the very start of the film may in fact be a major disaster but the short amount of time they spend with it makes it feel less dangerous than it was. This bad taste may be left in your mouth, having the film leave less of an impact; harnessing your judgment on it more harshly than it should.
Thankfully the plot of the film takes a seat to the acting, characters, and the film’s universe. To say the acting was wonderful would be an understatement. Pattinson reveals that he can indeed succeed outside of those dreadful Twilight flicks. He throws his emotions out there and displays the loneliness his character has been thrown into. He develops chemistry with Witherspoon that helps show why they love each other despite the little development they get together. She continues to support the case that she needs to dramas over romantic comedies; she is wasting great talent on those shitty films; this role is where she belongs. The last of the triangle of characters is simply the best. Christoph Waltz may be a cast as a villain his entire career, but if he continues to excel at it, who honestly gives a fuck? Nobody can flip their intentions so effortlessly. He’ll hand you your dreams, then turn around destroy them without regret. Thank God Quentin Tarintino revealed this hidden talent to the world. We are better for it.
The circus itself ends up turning into a star of its own. Watching an empty field turn into a marvelous attraction is a sight to see. Finding out how a circus works and goes about its business keeps your focus. The amount of time spent with this setting helps you bond with everything that goes with it. Watching an animal you’ve spent time with being tortured and abused provide the highest moments of tension. It is good you feel something for them because that is exactly what they tried to do. The circus winds up being the very heart of the film.
Water for Elephants may not be the most exciting watch in the world, but it is a film that strives to be great at everything. A little better story and it would have accomplished that goal. This film should be added toy your list though for its great acting and the beautiful world it presents. It should leave feeling as if you have been welcomed into an entirely new experience.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
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