Water for Elephants

Set in 1930s America, Water for Elephants tells the tale of young college drop-out Jacob Jankowski (played by Robert Pattinson), who, homeless and orphaned, jumps aboard a train out of town only to find himself immersed in the world of the Benzini Bros travelling circus. His wit, charm and expertise land him a permanent home on-board as a vet, and later trainer of the circus' biggest attraction; Rosie the elephant. However, life in the circus is not as glamorous as it would appear and Jacob soon learns that he will have to choose between the welfare of the animals and his friends, or saving the beautiful Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) from her unhappy life as the wife of the owner.



Although Pattinson sticks to his 'sultry but sexy' pouting throughout the film, his scenes with the elephant show a far softer, more vulnerable side to the actor

First of all, Pattinson's sultry-look throughout the film has to be acknowledged. Many have argued against his skills as an actor and have instead suggested that he sulks and pouts his way through every movie he is in. Whilst I cannot argue against this, Water for Elephants has given Rob a chance to show a more vulnerable side to his sultriness. The scenes between Rob and Tai (who plays Rosie) are heart wrenching, and demonstrates that Pattinson is able to do far more than just look sexy in front of the camera.

Others have commented on a lack of chemistry between Pattinson and Witherspoon, but I am forced to ask them what film they were watching. Witherspoon dazzles as the circus performer trapped in a turbulent marriage to August, owner of the Benzini Bros Circus, and herself and Pattinson radiate with such an intensity that it almost bursts through the screen. Despite the age difference, the romance between the two characters is entirely believable and both Pattinson and Witherspoon deserve credit for their passionate portrayals. That Witherspoon performed her own routines with the elephant is amazing in itself.


Reese Witherspoon is as stunning as ever as circus performer Marlena

Which brings us to the biggest star of the show; Tai, who performs beautifully as Rosie, the circus' first elephant act. Those involved with the production have insisted that no animals were mistreated during the filming (or training), and so Tai deserves a flood of nominations for the sheer beauty of the performances. The film is worth the ticket price alone just to see this magnificent creature in all its glory. Add to this the stunning visuals and music, and you have yourself one of the greatest films to have been released in 2011, and one definitely worthy of an Oscar nod.

See if you liked: Alice in Wonderland, Adventureland
Rating: 4/5