Jacob Jankowski, a "ninety or ninety-three"-year-old nursing home resident reminiscing on the time he spent as a circus veterinarian during the Great Depression. Marlena, the main love interest and a star performer with the circus. Marlena joined the circus after she ran away from home to marry August. She enjoys a special rapport with the horses and cares for them deeply.
The Story:
Jacob Jankowski a retired 93 year old circus veterinarian, who lives in a nursing home. He begins to reminisce about the past - In the beginning, he claims that he only worked for the circus and carried water for the elephants. Starting from when he was a 23 year old University Veterinary student and he receives news that his parents have been killed in a car accident. Before graduation, Jacob has a breakdown and leaves University - due to his father's own vet practice being in debt cause of free treatments and the pressures of life.
Jacob decides to go 'away' for a little while and decides to jump on a train in the middle of the night, only to learn that it is a circus train. After the owner Uncle Al, learns of Jacob's training skills, he hires him to take care of the circus animals and giving him refuge - which he shares with Walter (a person of short stature), also known as Gingko in the circus and his dog Queenie. After weeks of working for the circus, Jacob is summoned to look after Camel (an old man) -. Fearing that the sick man will be thrown from the train, Jacob hides him in his quarters.
Jacob learns of many things while working in the circus and discovers that August (head trainer)can be quite charming and yet brutual, to both humans and animals - especially the new elephant, Rosie. Marlena, August's wife and star performer in the circus, catchs the eye of Jacob and becomes his main love interest. Suspicious of Jacob and Marlena's relationship, August physically abuses Marlena, who then stays in a hotel when not performing. Uncle Al threatens Jacob to reunite August and Marlena as a happy couple, or Walter and Camel will be 'Redlighted' (Redlighting refers to throwing circus workers off the moving train as punishment or in order to avoid paying them).
Days later, Jacob discovers that August has tried to visit Marlena and goes to her hotel room to comfort her. After an intimate moment, they both declare their love for each other and Marlena returns to the circus to perform, while having secret meetings with Jacob. She then refuses to have August near her, which makes Uncle Al mad. Meanwhile, Marlena informs Jacob that she is pregnant.
One night, Jacob enters August's room, carrying a knife in between his teeth, intent on killing August. However, Jacob backs out and returns to his quarters, only to find Queenie. He then realizes that Walter and the camel have been 'Redlighted' and he is next.
Several former "Redlighted' employees of the circus return to liberate the abused animals and workers and cause a stampede of animals during one of the performances. August is killed by Rosie the elephant and the circus is shut down. Soon after, Uncle Al's body is found with a makeshift garrote around his neck. Marlena and Jacob leave, along with several circus animals (Rosie, Queenie and others), and begin their new life together as a family.
As the end draws near, 93 year old Jacob is waiting for his family to take him to the circus. It is uncovered that he and Marlena were married with 5 children, spending the first 7 years together working for another circus before being employed as a vet for the zoo. After receiving news that his family will not be visiting, Jacob makes his own way to the circus. After meeting the owner Charlie, he then begs him for a job, which is accepted and then accompanies the circus by selling tickets.... where Jacob believes he has 'finally come home'.
The Movie Robert Pattinson stars as (younger) Jacob Jankowski, Hal Holbrook portrays (older) Jacob Jankowski, Reece Witherspoon co-stars as Marlena and her husband Christoph Waltz as August. The film is based exactly upon the novel - creating the background for the great depression and all who struggled through that era. Filming began on 20th May 2010 and due to be released between April to June 2011.
I am currently on back-order for the Water for Elephants Novel. I would like to say more about the movie and novel, but I have not had the chance to experience either.
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Water for Elephants Trailer(s)
Teaser Trailer (Finnish Version)
Water for Elephants Trailer
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World Release Dates via The Official
Water for Elephants Website:
Russia April 14
Netherlands April 14
Norway April 15
Bulgaria April 15
Sweden April 15
South Africa April 15
France April 20
Switzerland
- April 14 (D-Schweitz)
- April 20 (Romandie)
- April 21 (German Switzerland)
- April 22 (Tessin)
Germany April 21
U.K. April 22
Finland April 22
Belgium April 27
Italy April 29
Poland May 6
Denmark May 12
Brazil May 13
Singapore June 7
Australia June 9 (this date is not yet confirmed. click HERE to read the post)
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