Review of Water for Elephants (2011) by Bruno V — 15 Oct 2013

Wow. This film really wants to be the next 'Titanic'. And it's not.

But I still enjoyed it.

The film works on the visuals, and the story that surrounds the romance. Christoph Waltz's character is the standout, and is the most interesting character. One day appearing to be a happy and excitable circus owner, and then another turning into a sadistic drunk. He really worked here, and had some nail biting scenes that brought back chilling memories of the first 15 minutes of 'Inglorious Basterds'.

As I was watching this, I definitely felt that the director was trying to tell the film with a bit of class- and the film is gorgeous to look at- when it is daytime. And I'm not sure if that's down to the director, or just that I like this era, and the colour palette they had. There's lots of red and yellow- the classic circus colours, and everything feels a little magical.

And then they try to force a romance. That on paper should work. But it just doesn't.

This is simply because Patterson and Witherspoon have no chemistry. They both give good enough performances, it's just that there is so much exposition, and following Patterson's story separately, that you don't get that fully developed relationship, except for a few scenes. For a romance like this to work, you have to feel the connection between the leads, instead of being shown that they are in love.

And this film just tells you that they are in love. One scene they start to look at each other, and then kiss. And it comes from nowhere, it seems.

It's a harmless viewing experience, and there is no chemistry between the leads. But I'd rather get a film like this, than another Nicholas Sparks movie. Even though they may seem similar.