"Water for Elephants" DVD Review by Killer Film

"Water for Elephants" DVD Review by Killer Film

Director Francis Lawrence paints a lush portrait of circus life during the Great Depression in the film adaptation of Sara Gruen’s novel Water for Elephants. It’s a gripping look at the gritty world behind the glamorous big top. And to survive in that world, you have to stand up for what you believe in.

The Film:

The story told in Water for Elephants goes far beyond a simple romance between the characters of Jacob and Marlena. It touches on animal cruelty, inhumane treatment of workers, poverty and survival. It just so happens that two of the characters fall in love after bonding over their love of animals.

Lawrence’s film does a fantastic job of subtly describing circuses in the early 1930s. To the outside world, it was full of glamour and grandeur. But the reality was quite different. Part of the ringmaster’s job was to create the illusion. Yes, the animals may be beautiful, but they were fed poorly and packed into train cars with barely any room. Lawrence captures that by making everything just slightly less than perfect – chipped paint, worn costumes, small tears in the tent. And he weaves it all together with beautiful cinematography that makes it almost feel like you’re watching a painting.

The cast gives fantastic performances in this film. Robert Pattinson brilliantly captures Jacob’s wide-eyed eagerness and love of the animals. What I liked so much about his performance is that even though he’s in the lead – this movie is about Jacob – it never feels like he takes over the movie. He works well with the other actors to create a pleasing ensemble. Reese Witherspoon does a great job of keeping Marlena down to earth while still working in some 1930s Hollywood glamour. Christoph Waltz is slightly terrifying as August. As both ringmaster and Marlena’s husband, he is overbearingly controlling. But the interesting part of Waltz’s performance is the touches of humanity he brings to his character. At times, you at least understand where August is coming from, even without agreeing with his tactics.

The DVD:

Water for Elephants is available on DVD and Blu-ray disc with a digital copy. In addition, Target sells a combo pack that includes the DVD, Blu-ray disc and digital copy in one package.

Audio/Video: The audio and video are good. It’s in widescreen, and the images are quite clear. The audio is crisp and clear as well.

Commentaries: The only commentary track is with Lawrence and writer Richard LaGravenese. It’s an interesting look at the technical aspects of the film. With that said, I would have loved to see a commentary track with Pattinson, Witherspoon and Waltz.

Special Features: The special features include a spotlight on Pattinson, a feature on Witherspoon, Secrets of the Big Top (a look at how the film came together) and The Traveling Show – Page to Screen (a look at how the film was adapted from the novel). All are worth viewing if you’re interested in knowing more about the performers or how the film was made.

Conclusion: This story is about much more than two people falling in love. It has a depth to it that is sometimes rare to find. I think this is definitely worth viewing.

The Flick: Rating: ★★★★½

The DVD: Rating: ★★★★½

Source => Killer Film / Via => @KristaRichmond---Thinking of Rob