Elegy
Charismatic professor David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley) glories in the pursuit of adventurous female students but never lets any woman get too close. When gorgeous Consuela Castillo (Penélope Cruz) enters his classroom, however, his protective veneer dissolves. Her raven-haired beauty both captivates and unsettles him.
Even if Kepesh declares her body a perfect work of art, Consuela is more than an object of desire. She has a strong sense of herself and an emotional intensity that challenges his preconceptions. Kepesh's need for Consuela becomes an obsession, but ultimately his jealous fantasies of betrayal drive her away. Shattered, Kepesh faces up to the ravages of time, immersing himself in work and confronting the loss of old friends. Then, two years later, Consuela comes back into his life - with an urgent, desperate request that will change everything.
Member Reviews
School of Melodrama - tanya_punkin
Wow. Lots of glowing reviews for this cliche ridden melodrama. Frolicking on the beach with Cruz in happy times; walking on the beach alone in troubled times. Lots of Ben Kingsley standing around New York looking really sad and pondering his existence while crowds pass him by. Hmmm, I am so deep but I still don't know - what does it all mean? There are some really interesting things in this exploration of aging and the relationships we form (or don't form). Would have loved more of the son and the legacy of a "tomcat" father. Nice message at the end about the real meaning of time and age but a tad trite. I'll give it 2 stars just 'cause I love watching and listening to the handsome, lovely Kingsley. Was that Debby Harry as George's wife? Cool.Elegy - excellent - GeeOff316
A wonderful journey. You cannot help but be intrigued by the womanizing professor, entering the discomforts of middle age and how he stares down the prospect of losing his youth and his confidence. Kingsley's character attempts, perhaps for the first time, to build a relationship with the woman he loves, but cannot tell her, trust her not abide by his apparent will to change old, deep habits. He falls on the crutch of being distant, removed and superficial, when he needs to embrace the love that he found and the tremendous opportunity he discovered. Cruz's character is approximately 30 years younger than Kingsley, yet she appears wiser, stronger, bolder and braver than her opposing player. Her late vulnerability and Kingsley's reaction to that is very touching. This is a true, real and honest character study with interesting adult dialogue, beautiful cinematography and a measured conclusion. A hidden gem from 2008.A monumental Cruz! - basilbenz
Perhaps the most moving aspect of this very moving adaptation of Philip Roth's "The Dying Animal" is Penelope Cruz's extraordinary performance. Ben Kingsly is also superb but we're kind of used to see him explore different universes with absolute ease. From "Ghandi" to "Sexy Beast" Penelope Cruz is a whole other story. From "Volver" to "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" to "Elegy" in rapid succession have transformed this Spanish beauty into one of the best actresses of her generation. She gets under your skin and transmits the emotional journey of her characters with a powerful strength that lasts and lingers. The truth she carries is all consuming and makes the experience totally unforgettable. Her performance alone makes "Elegy" a must see.
Member Reviews
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School of Melodrama - tanya_punkin
Wow. Lots of glowing reviews for this cliche ridden melodrama. Frolicking on the beach with Cruz in happy times; walking on the beach alone in troubled times. Lots of Ben Kingsley standing around New York looking really sad and pondering his existence while ...Elegy - excellent - GeeOff316
A wonderful journey. You cannot help but be intrigued by the womanizing professor, entering the discomforts of middle age and how he stares down the prospect of losing his youth and his confidence. Kingsley's character attempts, perhaps for the first time, ...A monumental Cruz! - basilbenz
Perhaps the most moving aspect of this very moving adaptation of Philip Roth's "The Dying Animal" is Penelope Cruz's extraordinary performance. Ben Kingsly is also superb but we're kind of used to see him explore different universes with absolute ease. From ...