If you want to see a pretty good director (Francis Lawrence) take a shot at the Titanic of the 21st century, Water for Elephants is for you. No matter how cheesy the plotline may seem, and no matter how closely you may associate Robert Pattinson with Edward Cullen, there are several cinematic landmarks that make this one worth your undivided attention.
First of all, the down-to-earth Jacob Jancowski (yes, of Polish origin—a key aspect of the film!) is nothing like the sparkling Edward from the movie-that-must-not-be-named. In the dreary atmosphere of the Great Depression, Pattinson successfully reinvents himself as a disillusioned Cornell dropout who finds a future as a circus veterinarian.
In fact, Jacob’s experience at the Ivy’s veterinary school gives him a shot at a new life with the Benzini Brothers traveling circus, reminding us once again about several things. One of them is the importance of education. Another is the true nature of the circus owner, August (Cristopher Waltz), whom we see in several perspectives. Waltz must be commended for his brilliant execution of this role; not every actor can pull off the role of an educated, charismatic man who often tends to assert his authority with brutal force. We see what happens when men are driven by forces larger than themselves and more disastrous than anything they can atone for.
On a brighter note, Reese Witherspoon sheds all remnants of Legally Blonde as August’s charming young wife, Marlena, a rather shady character. However, we learn to understand her as we learn more and more about her vindictive husband.
If it were not for the most charismatic actress of the show, Rosie the elephant, the entire plotline perhaps would not have happened. August’s unhealthy obsession with the success of the circus in these dark economic times is what brings the story alive, despite some minor historical and practical inconsistencies.
While there is no need to reiterate on these small bloopers, which evaporate in the scenic rhythm, a main one needs to be mentioned. The fact is, Rosie the elephant never received any water, despite the iconic title. Rather, the poor animal was supplied with so much liquor that I wonder why the film was not called Alcohol for Elephants… But hey, this is what happens when you repeal the Prohibition Amendment and find yourself in 1931!
Oh, and one more thing; if you ever find yourself with a naughty elephant, try speaking a different language. The elephant may understand and follow all your orders. In our particular case, Polish happened to work.
It is precisely the kind Polish-speaking elephant who helps us distinguish good from evil, bringing about the greatest triumph of compassion over cruelty the theater screens have ever seen.
Although the film first moves at an andente, it picks up memorable momentum in the last half an hour. Even if you hate most of the prolonged episodes (although it may only seem that way to our fast-paced visual perception), I guarantee that the dynamic resolution will take your breath away.
