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IMDbPro

Water for Elephants

  • 20112011
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 2h
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
116K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
5,446
114
Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Robert Pattinson, and Tai in Water for Elephants (2011)
A veterinary student (Robert Pattinson) abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet, where he meets animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz) and his wife Marlena (Reese Witherspoon).
Play trailer2:28
7 Videos
99+ Photos
DramaRomance
Set in the 1930s, a former veterinary student takes a job in a travelling circus and falls in love with the ringmaster's wife.Set in the 1930s, a former veterinary student takes a job in a travelling circus and falls in love with the ringmaster's wife.Set in the 1930s, a former veterinary student takes a job in a travelling circus and falls in love with the ringmaster's wife.
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
116K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
5,446
114
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Director
      • Francis Lawrence
    • Writers
      • Richard LaGravenese(screenplay)
      • Sara Gruen(novel)
    • Stars
      • Robert Pattinson
      • Reese Witherspoon
      • Christoph Waltz
    Top credits
    • Director
      • Francis Lawrence
    • Writers
      • Richard LaGravenese(screenplay)
      • Sara Gruen(novel)
    • Stars
      • Robert Pattinson
      • Reese Witherspoon
      • Christoph Waltz
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 300User reviews
    • 272Critic reviews
    • 52Metascore
    • Awards
      • 3 wins & 13 nominations

    Videos7

    Trailer #2: Water for Elephants
    Trailer 2:28
    Trailer #2: Water for Elephants
    Water for Elephants: Trailer #1
    Trailer 1:59
    Water for Elephants: Trailer #1
    "I'd Hate to Think of It"
    Clip 1:12
    "I'd Hate to Think of It"
    "I'm a Star Attraction"
    Clip 1:20
    "I'm a Star Attraction"
    "Just Come with Me"
    Clip 0:57
    "Just Come with Me"
    "Our Salvation"
    Clip 0:55
    "Our Salvation"
    Water For Elephants
    Promo 1:00
    Water For Elephants

    Photos111

    Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Tai in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Reese Witherspoon, Tim Guinee, Robert Pattinson, Tai, and Uggie in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants (2011)
    John Aylward, E.E. Bell, Brad Greenquist, Tim Guinee, and Christoph Waltz in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Francis Lawrence in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants (2011)
    Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants (2011)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Robert Pattinson
    Robert Pattinson
    • Jacob
    Reese Witherspoon
    Reese Witherspoon
    • Marlena
    Christoph Waltz
    Christoph Waltz
    • August
    Paul Schneider
    Paul Schneider
    • Charlie
    Jim Norton
    Jim Norton
    • Camel
    Hal Holbrook
    Hal Holbrook
    • Old Jacob
    Mark Povinelli
    Mark Povinelli
    • Kinko…
    Richard Brake
    Richard Brake
    • Grady
    Stephen Monroe Taylor
    Stephen Monroe Taylor
    • Wade
    Ken Foree
    Ken Foree
    • Earl
    Scott MacDonald
    Scott MacDonald
    • Blackie
    James Frain
    James Frain
    • Rosie's Caretaker
    Sam Anderson
    Sam Anderson
    • Mr. Hyde
    John Aylward
    John Aylward
    • Mr. Erwin
    Brad Greenquist
    Brad Greenquist
    • Mr. Robinson
    Tim Guinee
    Tim Guinee
    • Diamond Joe
    Donna W. Scott
    Donna W. Scott
    • Barbara
    E.E. Bell
    E.E. Bell
    • Cecil the Barker
    • Director
      • Francis Lawrence
    • Writers
      • Richard LaGravenese(screenplay)
      • Sara Gruen(novel)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Sara Gruen wrote the novel "Water for Elephants" as part of National Novel Writing Month.
    • Goofs
      The blueish-grayish tights Reese Witherspoon wears are clearly made of a fabric containing nylon. Natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk...) would not result in the even, semi-opaque aspect with no wrinkles in the knee and foot area. Nylon was not invented before the late 30ies, so the tights are an anachronism.
    • Quotes

      Jacob: You're a beautiful woman, you deserve a beautiful life. Nothing less.

    • Crazy credits
      In 'The producers wish to thank' section of the credits, the Circus World Museum is listed as being in Barbaroo, WI. The actual town is Baraboo, WI.
    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #19.111 (2011)
    • Soundtracks
      Ciribiribin
      Written by George Wilson and Alberto Pestalozza

      Courtesy of APM

    User reviews300

    Review
    Review
    Top review
    9/10
    very fine drama; old style and that's why it is so appealing
    Water For Elephants got released here a full week ahead of the US and first let me indulge in the joy of being able to review such a highly anticipated film before my fellow American film-loving counterparts.

    The film completely fulfilled my expectations. It is a well scripted, meticulously shot and finely acted period drama, the likes of which are increasingly less to come by at the movies these days. A big congratulations to all those involved with the production for having the confidence to delve into this venture. Actually I am very curious about its box-office. Last year was a surprisingly profitable year for adult dramas and if that is any indication, this fine film should continue the same trend.

    Water For Elephants really impresses with the production design, atmosphere, costumes and stunts. Most of the time I felt like I was watching a classic film made during the studio era; it looked that authentic and faultless. The three main actors all seem satisfied for having such meaty parts and deliver more than satisfactory performances. Robert Pattinson shines and proves that he is capable as a serious actor. Reese Witherspoon has always been a true professional and here with her stunts demonstrates that again. She also fits surprisingly well to the 1930s platinum blonde beauty type. Christopher Waltz is a wonderful actor and here it becomes very clear that his success in Inglorious Basterds was not a one-off. The story is very emotional and while it touches the heart romantically, it also manages to lay down a heretofore unseen dark aspect of old era circus entertainment in particular and also crowd entertainment as a whole. I almost wished for a three hour epic after it ended; it left me wanting more. The whole thing was really interesting.

    All in all a wonderful and deeply satisfying experience at the movies, well worth every dime. Go see it so that adult dramas of this caliber (in terms of star power, production budget and subsequent attention to detail) could continue to be made.
    helpful•127
    40
    • Nefi
    • Apr 20, 2011

    FAQ3

    • What is "Water for Elephants" about?
    • Is "Water for Elephants" based on a book?
    • How does the movie end?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 22, 2011 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Languages
      • English
      • Polish
    • Also known as
      • Ngôi Sao Gánh Xiếc
    • Filming locations
      • Chickamauga, Georgia, USA
    • Production companies
      • Fox 2000 Pictures
      • 3 Arts Entertainment
      • Flashpoint Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $38,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $58,709,717
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $16,842,353
      • Apr 24, 2011
    • Gross worldwide
      • $117,094,902
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • Datasat
      • SDDS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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