I saw Water for Elephants Saturday night. I’ve been looking forward to seeing it even though I didn’t get to read the book first. I’m going to write about the actors, personal observations, and what the saddest part of the movie was.
First, I liked the casting. I’ve seen some hubbub saying chemistry between Reese and Rob wasn’t believable but I think it was. They are both great actors and for me, it worked. Christoph Waltz was very convincing as the abusive, paranoid, haughty August. I also liked seeing two men I usually see on NBC on the big screen. Paul Schneider listened to elderly Jacob’s life story. He plays the mellow, quick-to-smile, kind guy very well (similar to his role on Parks and Rec). James Frain is Rosie’s bull master before she is handed over to Jacob. His evilness on The Cape is more apparent than the insinuation that he used the bull hook on Rosie too much, but similar to Schneider, he plays a role similar to the one he has on TV.
Next, here are some observations and personal connections I made. Reese’s false eyelashes must have been hard to upkeep while jumping off the train and getting beaten up by August after her recapture, but the powers or Depression era eyelash glue prevailed. Similarly, it must have been a pain to keep gorgeous tight ringlets and smoldering eye makeup day in and day out while participating in a grueling circus. From a fashion standpoint, I loved her kimono in the scene with Silverstar on the box car. I wonder if kimono type silk wraps will become popular upscale loungewear. Hint, hint Nordstrom. Costume designer Jacqueline West nailed the style in this film. It was a visual feast seeing the tuxes, older woolen pants, glamorous dresses, jewels and even Rosie’s headdress was intricate and beautiful. I loved Rosie as one of the film’s heroes. Her act of love and protection made me think of my Doberman. I know he’d save my life if I was ever in a dangerous situation like Marlena was in.
Lastly, what was the saddest part of the film? My mom said it was elderly Jacob’s statement “I have five children but none of them have room for me.” It seems hard to believe that after living such a good life and being a great parent with Marlena, his kids wouldn’t take care of him in his golden years. As an animal lover, seeing the abuse to Rosie, Silverstar, the big cats and presumably all other animals until Jacob showed up, was heartwrenching. Another sad moment was seeing Jacob orphaned, talked down to by the banker and having no one to tell his troubles to or lean on. The final contestant in saddest moment is the death of Walter and Camel because they were thrown onto rocks on the side of the railroad at August’s order.
Although I didn’t go into the plot in my review, the movie was excellent. The plot moved quickly and I was captivated by all the color, tension and beauty in the story. I recommend it to everyone (except maybe PETA members who would vomit seeing the abuse Rosie takes). What did you think?
