When my girlfriend first told me we were going to see Water For Elephants, a film directed by Francis Lawrence, needless to say I was less than enthusiastic.
However, led by a superb cast featuring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon, the film immerses viewers into the prohibition-riddled world of the 1930’s, with immaculate costumes and fantastic cinematography.
Water For Elephants follows the story of Jacob, a college-age boy who was forced to drop out of school at Cornell after the untimely death of his parents.
To overcome his misfortune, Jacob winds up sneaking onto a circus train where he is eventually enlisted by the ringleader, August, to train their newest attraction – an elephant.
Jacob falls in love with August’s wife along the way, adding an element of forbidden love that will keep any chick-flick aficionado wide-eyed and attentive.
The aspect that sets this film apart from every other romantic movie in the past ten years is its ability to attract a vast spectrum of audiences.
While it is essentially a love story, there are also momentary scenes of violence, as well as camaraderie between Jacob and some of the other various circus workers which results in momentary flashes of comedy.
Even though critics claim the opposite, the cast has excellent synergy and play their roles effortlessly and seamlessly. For example, dialogue between characters seems natural and unscripted, as do their interactions.
Viewers will connect to the character of Jacob, because he is good of heart with kind intentions with a quick wit – precisely the kind of person that the majority of society strives to be. When a character exists in a movie that an audience can connect to, the film becomes more interesting for everyone involved.
The film achieves a perfect suspension of disbelief, that is to say it manages to be “out there” enough to entertain, yet realistic enough as to ensure that viewers do not become distracted. There were no contrived elements that would eliminate realism.
The movie takes viewers back into the 1930’s with flawless decor, scenery, and costumes that portray the time period perfectly, allowing viewers to feel as though they themselves are immersed in the time period, becoming a part of the movie.
Water for Elephants is a movie that will keep its viewers interested throughout its entire 122-minute length, and that will appeal to a huge audience.
This film is one you don’t want to miss.
Will Bennett is a remarkable staff writer who was recruited from his early days. In fact, before Bennett could even speak, the Mycenaean took serious interest in him. While many consider this practice to be unethical, the Leesville editors disagree. Alex Stewart claims that his contributions to the staff have been “Pullitzer Prize” worthy.
In addition to his writing, Bennett enjoys animals, Freshberry Frozen Yogurt, Hip-hop music, and long walks on the beach. He can often be found on his seaside estate composing original music, writing moving poetry, and balling with old basketball greats like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.