Water for Elephants (Drama)

‘Water for Elephants’, a film based on the novel by Sara Gruen, was much better than I was expecting. I realise this assessment probably isn’t very useful seeing as it’s totally relative. So ..... let me tell you what I wasn’t expecting and that might help you decide whether ‘Water for Elephants’ is worth seeing .

Firstly, I wasn’t expecting quite so much eye candy. I’d never understood what all the fuss was about when it came to Robert Pattinson. Perhaps that’s because I’ve only ever seen him looking all white and pastey and playing the same mopey character three times over in the twilight series. But RPatz (as he’s known to die-hard – and recently converted - fans) is brilliant as the leading man Jacob in ‘Water for Elephants’ who abandons his studies to join the travelling circus as it’s resident vet after a tragedy involving his parents and is brilliant. I’d read a few reviews prior to seeing the film that claimed ‘Water for Elephants’ is his best work yet and I’m inclined to agree. Did I mention he was easy on the eye?

Secondly, I wasn’t expecting to come out of this film wanting a yellow and purple pant suit so much! Reese Witherspoon plays RPatz’s leading lady, Marlena, and her wardrobe is amazing. From her skimpy, spangley circus leotards to her sexy but simple evening dresses, it made me want to go and buy up big on 1930’s fashion as soon as I got out of the cinema. Marlena is married to the very scary August, the circus owner played by Christoph Waltz, and is obviously supposed to be off limits so all hell breaks loose when a flame starts to flicker between Marlena and Jacob.

Furthermore, I really didn’t expect to feel nostalgic for a time when life was as simple as a circus being in town to totally captivate and mystify kids and adults alike. Nor did I expect to be so transported by some of the visually stimulating sets in ‘Water for Elephants’. On a number of occasions I could almost feel the sense of excitement that came with sitting on the front row bench under the yellow and red big top, pink fairy floss in hand. Sadly, I very much doubt my daughter, with all of the entertainment options she’ll have at her fingertips, will ever find a circus quite so captivating! I especially loved an early scene when RPatz discusses his employment terms with his new boss August as they run along the roof of the moving circus train, jumping carriages against a starry night sky.

Finally, I didn’t expect to come away thinking about how selfish love can be. As caught up as I was in the love story between Marlena and Jacob, it got me thinking about how many casualties there often are just so two people can be together. Obviously the casualties in this film are a little atypical but still a love affair often leaves much in its wake: ex’s who end up with their hearts broken, unsupportive friends fall be the wayside, disapproving family members become distanced.

Sometimes love has a lot to answer for!

‘Water for Elephants’ was a lot of things I wasn’t necessarily expecting but overall, it’s just a really nice, light, entertaining love story to get swept away with on a cold autumn afternoon. It’s also a nice reminder that we all need a little illusion in our lives from time to time. So go buy yourselves a ticket to the big top, treat yourself to some RPatz eye candy while you’re there, and don’t forget some Water for the Elephants.....

Brighton Rock (Crime/Thriller)

This film has a number of great things going for it: acting by Helen Mirren and John Hurt; production by Paul Webster (same guy that produced Atonement); and a story based on a popular 1938 Graham Greene novel. Unfortunately, these things weren’t enough for me......

‘Brighton Rock’ is set in the sleepy English seaside town of Brighton in 1964. The story follows the rapid rise and fall of Pinkie (played by Sam Riley from the 2007 indie film ‘Control’), a teenage gangster who takes matters into his own hands when his gang gets accused of committing a revenge killing.

First of all, there were way too many characters for my liking. I was one of those annoying movie goers who keeps whispering to their friend – ‘What did he say?’, ‘Who’s that again?’, ‘Why did he do that to that other bloke?’!. .Secondly, whilst I found the performances of the main characters convincing, I had trouble empathising with their characters (for example, Pinkie seemed too young and immature to rise to any kind of significant role in an established gang and Rose, who falls for bad boy Pinkie, was too whiny and stupid to pity). Which as you know is quite unusual for me, usually I can easily find some character to project myself onto!

In summary, I was lost and bored. I was seriously tempted to leave. Now I should confess it’s not unusual that I find myself lost during gang/ crime movies so my judgement could be a little harsh but I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve found myself wanting to walk out on a movie before it’s finished. In this case, I managed to stick it out till the end and I have to admit that I’m moderately glad I stayed seeing as the ending includes a nice little twist that I found to be one of the films redeeming features. Another redeeming feature is the actress who plays Rose, the ditzy girl that falls for Pinkie – Andrea Riseborough - a newcomer to the big screen. She was incredible and was deservedly nominated for two awards at the British Independent Film Awards (best actress and most promising newcomer). Apparently Cary Mulligan was originally cast to play Rose but pulled out to do ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’.

‘Brighton Rock’ is a DVD flick at best. The original starring Richard Attenborough might be more worthy if you’re a real Grahame Greene fan but this version of ‘Brighton Rock’ is too long, over complicated, and kind of boring. The only thing it did for me was give me an overwhelming desire to wander down the Brighton Pier with an ice cream in hand.

Never Let Me Go (Drama)

This movie was dark and grey and gloomy just like the rainy day I was trying to escape from. Even so, not long after the lights turned down I found myself pleasantly drifting from one melancholic experience into another.

‘Never Let me Go’ is based on the book written by Kazuo Ishiguru that I remember reading and loving way back in high school. And so I was excited to hear that it had been made into a motion picture. I was also very curious as to how the unusual subject matter would translate onto the big screen. But the impressive screenplay written by Alex Garland (who’s name you might recognise as the guy who wrote the novel ‘The Beach’) helps make the transition from book to film seamlessly.

The story kicks off with a caption explaining that a medical breakthrough in 1952 has prolonged the human lifespan to 100 years. This sets the scene for a science fiction kind of movie but don’t let that turn you off (sorry trekkies!) - unike most sci-fi movies, rather than being set in the future, ‘Never Let Me Go’ lays out an alternative to the current 20th century. The initial setting is at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school with beautiful green grounds and lots of smiley, healthy kids running around. The film quickly becomes grim but also intriguing as we discover that these children are all orphans and are imprisoned at Hailsham as they are being raised to be human organ donors.

The main character performances are haunting – in a good way. Carey Mulligan is exceptional as Cathy H, the narrator of the film, as is Kiera Knightley in a supporting role as the outgoing and dominant Ruth. Interestingly, Carey and Kiera last appeared together in 2005 in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ when Kiera was a much bigger name but ‘Never Let Me Go’ shows Carey is more than capable of carrying the lead role. Tommy, who ends up being the pointy end of a love triangle between himself and the two girls, is movingly portrayed by Andrew Garfield.

What’s great about this movie is the way it makes you think about what it means to be human. I particularly loved the final reflection by Cathy regarding whether or not their lives were truly any different than the people they donate to e.g. “maybe none of us really understand what we’ve lived through”?!. It also touches on the notion of not having enough time to spend with those we love and how important it is to appreciate every moment and the fact that somehow this is easier to achieve when you know the end is near. This movie made me realise that since becoming a mum, I’ve had no choice but to be more present and appreciate all the little moments that make up now – which as it turns out is a beautiful gift Lilliana has given me. And here I was thinking our relationship was all one way at this point in time!

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this movie – and Lilliana was clearly mesmerised (see inset!) – I appreciate ‘Never Let Me Go’ probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I think most people will find this hard to watch and might even describe it as ‘slow’. If you haven’t read the book, and if you have other films to choose from, I don’t think I’d be putting this one at the top of my list.

However, if you loved the book, or you’re looking for a film that provokes some interesting dinner conversation, or if you’re just trying to escape a rainy day........ take a risk and add this one to your list.