Elegy

Genre: psychological study

With: Penelope Cruz (Consuela Castillo), Ben Kingsley (David Kepesh), Patricia Clarkson (Carolyn), Peter Sarsgaard (Kenny Kepesh), Dennis Hopper (George O’Hearn), Deborah Harry (Amy O’Hearn)

Director: Isabel Coixet

Screenplay: Nicholas Meyer (adapted from the novella ‟The Dying Animal” by Phillip Roth)

Release: 2008

Studio: Lakeshore Entertainment – MGM Distribution Company, Samuel Goldwyn Films

Rating: R

MBiS score: 8.2/10 

 

‟ I think it was Bette Davis who said old age is not for sissies.” 

 

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Story-line: David Kepesh, a renowned author and a teacher of powerful intellect, has reached the age when growing old becomes a daily concern. In this regard, his affair with Consuela Castillo, a young student, has been both revealing and important.    

Pluses: stimulating performances by Ben Kingsley (a fascinating, somewhat cynical David) and Penelope Cruz (as the brave and beautiful Consuela), key contributions from Dennis Hopper, Peter Sarsgaard and an excellent cast, a serious screenplay relying on astute dialogues to delve into themes of sexuality, disillusion and commitment, very attractive cinematography (behold those flattering exteriors of New York City!), an evocative musical score and a subdued yet thought-provoking ending.

Minuses: none really.

Comments: in ELEGY, an involving film that reminded me of Rohmer’s careful dramas, Isabel Coixet trains her eye on a man riddled with doubt because he hasn’t found fulfillment in love. In her illustration of man’s decay, time’s imprint on human emotions and the uneasy bond between generations, she has created a sensible, tormented and much better movie experience than I expected from the outset. Elegy indeed for David Kepesh… but not for him exclusively.   

 

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