Elegy is an Experience
WOSU Film Critics Rico and Joyce Long review "Elegy."

by Rico and Joyce Long

RICO LONG GIVES "ELEGY" 4 STARS
****

This is a VERY sensual film. Moreso than " Vicky Cristina Barcelona".

Ben Kingsley plays a college professor who is a very active lothario.

He enjoys seducing his students, but always keeping them at a distance.

When Professor Kepesh meets Consuela Castillo, played by the gorgeous Penélope Cruz, he really falls for her. Deeply and madly.

Personally, I found it a bit of a stretch for someone like her to dig him. Aside from the huge age difference, he isn't exactly cover material for GQ.

The film is almost as gorgeous as Cruz, and lovingly filmed with mostly close ups. Much more video than cinema framing. Very intimate.
She does willingly disrobe for several scenes, as does Patricia Clarkson who never looked better.

This is a tasteful, but pretty explicit film. Kingsley a playboy? Humm. You judge.


JOYCE LONG GIVES "ELEGY" 4 STARS
****

This what I would characterize as an adult film, meaning I'm not sure a young crowd would find it so interesting. It is extremely slowly paced. But it has two completely charismatic actors in many close-ups of beautifully filmed and tender lovemaking. It is wonderfully directed.

At first I had a hard time visualizing Kingsley as a romantic lead. But he is such a wonderful actor, he completely convinced me. And Cruz is a wonder, in a subtle and intelligent portrayal of a lovely young Cuban being gently wooed by her very cultured professor.

I was deeply moved by their lovely and very difficult relationship. The entire cast is perfect, with a terrific performance by Dennis Hopper as Kingsley's best friend. I wouldn't be surprised if both Kingsley and Cruz are nominated for Oscars, maybe even Hopper too.

It's definitely not a light romance. It's an experience.


FILM: Elegy
DIRECTOR: Nicholas Meyer
CAST INCLUDES: Penélope Cruz, Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard, Dennis Hopper
GENRE: Drama
LENGTH: 100 minutes
RATED: R

WOSU Film Critics Joyce and Rico Long can be heard Fridays at 12:35pm during NPR's "Day To Day" on WOSU 820.

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