Love is a three-ring circus for Pattinson, Witherspoon
MANILA, Philippines—Tired of overly convoluted love stories? Then, Francis Lawrence’s “Water for Elephants,” based on Sara Gruen’s novel, is for you—and it doesn’t hurt that, at the heart of this period romance, set during the Great Depression of the early ’30s, are Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. They are as easy to empathize with as they are easy on the eyes, with Christoph Waltz (“Inglorious Basterds”) getting in the way of their Happily Ever After.
Actually, it’s Pattinson’s character, Jacob, a veterinary student who drops out of Cornell University after the tragic death of his parents, who impinges into circus owner August’s (Waltz) structured happiness, especially after the former falls in love with Marlena (Witherspoon), the circus’ star performer, who just happens to be August’s wife.
Special ‘friendship’
Life on the road is lonely and arduous, and Marlena’s special “friendship” with the animals she works with gives her some comfort, as does Jacob. The arrival of Rosie, the 53-year-old trick-savvy elephant who becomes the circus’ main attraction, seals the bond between the lonely wife and the brooding circus hand—and August is none too pleased about it!
The movie’s love-triangle angle is nothing new. Yet, there’s something exhilaratingly romantic about it that will sweep you off your feet when you least expect it. It effectively conveys the danger and unpredictability of true but forbidden love.
Moreover, the production’s dreamy, period feel gives it an endearing, old-fashioned appeal that’s rarely seen in Hollywood’s screen romances these days.
Pattinson and Witherspoon work hard to breathe life into Jacob and Marlena’s love story—and, for the most part, despite the damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t moral dilemma that compromises whatever decisions their characters make, they manage to make them sympathetic.
Two other elements outshine Pattinson and Witherspoon, however: The gentle pachyderm, who makes a strong case against any form of cruelty to animals, and the intense Waltz, who juggles the alternating kindness and cruelty of his character—like the ringmaster of a three-ring circus!
