‘Water for Elephants’
Everyone loves the circus. Whether you are eight or 58, the mystery and allure of the circus lifestyle always attracts an audience. At least that is what the cast of “Water for Elephants” is hoping will happen.
The film follows Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who leaves college after his parents die in a car accident. Jankowski, played by Robert Pattinson, ends up working for the Benzini Brothers circus as their in-house veterinarian, and enjoys the ups and downs of the traveling life style. Along the way, he falls in love with a horse trainer named Marlena, played by Reese Witherspoon, who is married to the circus director.
The plot alone, based on a New York Times bestselling book, makes the film interesting. The Benzini Brothers aren’t your average circus. Set in Depression times, the circus and its employees are constantly battling unfair practices and coming up with strange ideas to make money, including buying an obstinate elephant.
One thing that the filmmakers do have on their side is that the actors playing all of the major roles are experts at their craft. Can Pattinson play a gorgeous, brooding love interest? We have proof of that. Witherspoon is the queen of romance and beauty. And Christopher Waltz, who plays circus director August, embraces his typecast-ed role of the bad guy. One thing is for sure, you can trust these people to pull you in to the story and keep you involved.
— Corianne Egan
