Water for Elephants

20th Century Fox

3.5 stars out of 5

Beautiful acrobats, death-defying stunts and a man in a red coat and top hat—these are the usual staples for the big-top circus. The concept has been translated to screen more times than one can count, but it’s not so easy setting a period drama under the big top with spectacular results. This is what makes Water for Elephants such a glorious delight.

Water for Elephants begins with an old man named Jacob (Hal Holbrook) who tells the story of his life as a circus worker. In 1931, a series of tragic events lead poor young Jacob (Robert Pattinson) to hop a train, which so happens to belong to a circus. One of the workers gives him a job for the day shoveling manure, and it is then that he first sees Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), a bareback rider and star attraction of the show. The plot, however, is not as simple as the two circus workers falling in love. Instead, August (Academy-award winner Christoph Waltz), the ruthless ringleader and Marlena’s husband, complicates the possible romance.

While it may seem from the trailers and from the film’s beginning that the focus will be on Jacob and Marlena’s romance, instead the highlight of the film is when August purchases a show elephant named Rosie in a desperate gamble to make more money on his show. He gives her to Jacob to train, as Jacob studied veterinary science at Cornell University. This is when the real heart of the film begins as Jacob forges a strong connection with and tries to protect Rosie from the callous and brutal August who nearly kills her after a stunt goes awry.

The romance between Jacob and Marlena is where the film lacks some luster. The chemistry between Pattinson and Witherspoon was not entirely believable, despite what are probably supposed to be “steamy” scenes. Overall, the two come off as better friends than lovers, bonding over their mutual love of animals.

Despite that minor setback, the acting is wonderful. Pattinson plays the wide-eyed, naïve Jacob with a lovable smile and slight awkwardness that only adds to the appeal of his character. Waltz is absolutely incredible as the roguishly handsome, ever-so-charming but completely heinous August. Despite the horrible things he does throughout the film, there are times when you feel a bit sorry for him, thanks to Waltz’s performance. Witherspoon is lovely as Marlena, but she does not shine as much as the rest of the cast. 

The minor characters of the various circus workers that Jacob rooms with on the train are also an incredibly important part of the story, adding depth and flavor to the film. It’s never quite known who is backing August and who is just waiting around for a rebellion, but that is what makes those otherwise background characters so notable. Characters Camel (Jim Norton) and Walter (Mark Povinelli) were especially enjoyable. Camel first helps Jacob get a job when he hops on the circus train, and later assists him in nursing Rosie back to health after August’s attack. And while Walter is hesitant to trust Jacob at first, they eventually forge a bond that spurs Walter to help protect Jacob when things go downhill.

The production design is also worthy of note, especially the sets used for the train. Everything has a warm and organic feel to it, an atmosphere that is exactly like a traveling circus. The sets add so much more to the film and even if the viewer does not enjoy the story, he can certainly appreciate its visual treats.

Overall, the film is good, though not for everyone. The romance seems a bit forced, but if you overlook that minor detail, it is truly lovely. If you enjoy heartwarming stories about a young idealist who finds his niche in the most unlikely place, then Water for Elephants is the perfect movie.