Based on Sara Gruen’s epic novel about forbidden love, and directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Francis Lawrence (Constantine), WATER FOR ELEPHANTS stars Robert Pattinson as Jacob, a man devastated by the sudden death of his parents at the height of The Depression. When Jacob abandons his veterinary studies and stows away on a train carrying circus performers, his life is changed forever. Hired as a veterinarian to care for the circus’ animals, Jacob is temporarily filled with the promise of an exciting life that comes with a traveling circus troupe. However, as he falls in love with the star of the show, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), they become prey to the circus’s owner, Marlena’s abusive husband August (Christoph Waltz). With their love on the line, the circus begins to crumble from within, and Jacob and Marlena come to a crossroads that will forever change their destiny.
In general, most people I've talked to liked the book but thought it was a little too graphic. That problem has been fixed in the movie, which isn't graphic at all other than a couple of violent scenes that are necessary to the story. I liked the book and was a little nervous about the movie because I just couldn't image Robert Pattinson as anything other than Edward from Twilight but once I got past that, I was thoroughly entertained and seeing the circus scenes translated from paper onto the big screen was great.
For those of you who have both read the book and seen the movie, I'd love to hear which one you liked better and why. Which scenes did you like and which ones just didn't work? What'd you think about the relationship between Marla and Jacob in the book vs. how it was portrayed in the movie?
Want a chance to win a prize bundle that includes both a copy of the book and the brand new DVD? Leave a comment below telling me who directed Water for Elephants (hint, the answer is in the post). Giveaway ends Wednesday, November 2nd and is open to US/Canada residents only.
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I believe Francis Lawrence was the director.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the movie/book match up I thought it did pretty well. I really liked Rob as Jacob, although I was just not a fan of Reese as Marlena. I totally envisioned her as someone younger and their romance was just too forced, they seriously lacked chemistry. But overall, still a fan of the movie but love the book so much better.
I actually haven't read or seen the book or movie so I would love to win a copy! The director is Francis Lawrence.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
singitm@hotmail.com
Director was Francis Lawrence.
ReplyDeleteI did read the book and loved it! It was graphic, but realistic. I did not get to see the movie but I've really wanted to. :)
The director is Francis Lawrence.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for my aunt!
huynhamy [at] gmail [dot] com
Francis Lawrence!!
ReplyDeleteI actually loved both the book and the movie. I thought that Reese Witherspoon was excellent as Marlena. Excellent on all accounts!!!
Francis Lawrence is the director. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway! We are reading this in December for my bookgroup. Heard its awesome and I love Reese!!
rachie2004 AT Yah00 *d8t8 c-m
Hello! The director was Francis Lawrence.
ReplyDeleteThough the book was beautifully written, I found it too disturbing. I was thankful that the graphic content was toned down in the film. Christoph Waltz was a great asset to the cast, but I wish that they wouldn't have condensed the Uncle Al and August characters in the film. They were quite intimidating in the novel and I felt that the movie lacked a strong element of suspense because of it. Thanks for hosting such a fun giveaway!
what a wonderful giveaway...
ReplyDeletethe director was Francis Lawrence :)
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
The director was Francis Lawrence!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome book, and amazing movie. =] It's definitely one of my favorites.
Christie
christierotondo@gmail.com
I loved every page of this book. A profound insight to the circus during the Depression era and the feelings of the elderly in a nursing home. Truly a riveting story about a respectable family man and his love of life, his wife and animals.
ReplyDelete