Friday, May 6, 2011

Water for Elephants

The film completely fulfilled my expectations. It is a well scripted, meticulously shot and finely acted period drama, the likes of which are increasingly less to come by at the movies these days. A big congratulations to all those involved with the production for having the confidence to delve into this venture. Actually I am very curious about its box-office. Last year was a surprisingly profitable year for adult dramas and if that is any indication, this fine film should continue the same trend.

Water For Elephants really impresses with the production design, atmosphere, costumes and stunts. Most of the time I felt like I was watching a classic film made during the studio era; it looked that authentic and faultless. The three main actors all seem satisfied for having such meaty parts and deliver more than satisfactory performances. Robert Pattinson shines and proves that he is capable as a serious actor. Reese Witherspoon has always been a true professional and here with her stunts demonstrates that again. She also fits surprisingly well to the 1930s platinum blonde beauty type. Christopher Waltz is a wonderful actor and here it becomes very clear that his success in Inglorious Basterds was not a one-off. The story is very emotional and while it touches the heart romantically, it also manages to lay down a heretofore unseen dark aspect of old era circus entertainment in particular and also crowd entertainment as a whole. I almost wished for a three hour epic after it ended; it left me wanting more. The whole thing was really interesting.

All in all a wonderful and deeply satisfying experience at the movies, well worth every dime. Go see it so that adult dramas of this caliber (in terms of star power, production budget and subsequent attention to detail) could continue to be made.

30 comments:

  1. huh, looks cool, might need to go see that one

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  2. so whats it about, never heard of it.

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  3. Probably wasn't going to see it but might give it a watch now.

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  4. Man, you've made me using my precious traffic for a good film again! arrgh ))

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  5. Im going to see this movie this weekend

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  6. I have not seen this as of yet but now I think I will consider it. Thanks for the review.

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  7. Ive not seen this but Ill look into it.

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  8. It actually had a pretty big budget, at least what is known. 38 Million! That may not include the prints(copies of the film) and the advertising for it which could end up being another 20 million. But that is neither here nor there. I am interested in seeing because of your review so thank you!

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  9. I've seen the trailer of this movie

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  10. I've never even heard of this movie, so thanks for sharing.

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  11. will this be for early netflix?

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  12. Haha awesome blog! Great concept

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  13. I saw the trailer for this and it looked pretty good. Now that I've read your critique of it, I'll have to go see it for sure!

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  14. I will def go check this out after reading your review. thanks

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  15. I've never heard of this movie. Gonna check the story.

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  16. I love that picture, very nice thank you!

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  17. I reaaaaaally wanna watch this >,<!

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  18. My GF really wants to watch this, but I was sceptical, but now you say its a good movie? I might go after all then!

    Thanks for the review!

    +1 followed, check out my blog aswll!

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  19. I've heard of this movie, but haven't watched it yet. After reading your review, I might just do that.

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  20. I'm a film studies student and I still never heard of this movie. I will have to watch it! Like your blog, follow'd

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  21. Nice review :] Really made me want to watch it!

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  22. I wasn't sure I wanted to watch this movie, because I felt that the age difference between the main stars was too great.. But you make me want to see it!

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  23. I stopped reading cause I was afraid of spoiler. I'm watching that tonight.

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  24. looks interesting, ill have to check it out!

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  25. I can never take him seriously ever again after playing an emo vampire....

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  26. Not a big Pattenson fan but I've heard a lot of good things about this movie. Might check it out.

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