Elegy DVD Review

On DVD: March 17th, 2009

Rated Canada 14A for sexual content and nudity

Running time: 115 minutes

Isabel Coixet (dir.)

Penélope Cruz as Consuela Castillo

Ben Kingsley as David Kepesh

Peter Sarsgaard as Kenneth Kepesh

Patricia Clarkson as Carolyn

Dennis Hopper as George O'Hearn

Antonio Cupo as Consuela's imagined lover

Deborah Harry as Amy O'Hearn

Kris Pope as Consuela's Brother

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Elegy Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

Elegy is the tale of English professor David Kepesh, (Ben Kingsley), who is in his 60’s, but likes woman about half his age. But ever since they stuck up the phone number for the sexual harassment hotline across from his office, he no longer sleeps with his students while teaching them, but when classes finish, he throws a huge graduation party at his place. In hopes that at least one young woman will stay behind in his bedroom. This time is different because Consuela Castillo, (Penélope Cruz), didn’t just stay that one night, she came back for more. They are both very intelligent and share a love for art. Which would make them a perfect match, if they had their age in common.

I did not see one sunny day in this movie. The film takes place over at least two years in New York. I imagine that the sun would come out at least once over two years while you live in New York. But then it struck me. How can the sun shine in New York when you’re only filming for a couple of weeks in Vancouver, presumably in the fall?

While the acting in the film is excellent, the musical score is pleasant, and some of it is well shot, it at times, gets kind of boring. While the film should have only been around 95 minutes, it goes on for nearly 2 hours, over staying it’s welcome by about 20 minutes. This is by no means a bad film, and is actually mildly worth seeing. But it’s also not a great film. So I am giving it a mild three stars, but just a notch above 2 1/2. I would say it’s worth a rental, but not really something that needs to be in your permanent collection.

I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but I never thought I would see a topless Penélope Cruz and the Easter Bunny in the same movie. That’s right, Folks! The EASTER BUNNY is in this movie. Watch for his cameo within the first half-hour.

The DVD includes the films theatrical trailer, and a seven-minute featurette entitled The Poetry of Elegy.

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Elegy Review By Erin V.

*** (out of 4)

Elegy tells the story of David Kepesh, (Ben Kingsley), a university professor, who seems to always fall for women his students ages - and he is around 60. One becomes very special to him - Consuela Castillo, (Penélope Cruz), who shares his love and fascination for art and music. To David, she is, as he puts it, “a work of art herself.” Unfortunately, she really is too young for him, which makes the relationship hard to sustain.

The movie is built around their relationship, and is interesting enough to check out, but could have been way better. This was a well-enough made film, although I found that it kind of dragged on a little bit too long. The acting was good, and the musical score in the background was quite nice to listen to, so I really liked that aspect of the film. I would recommend checking this one out on DVD if you’re interested, although you could probably rent it to do so.

The DVD also includes the film’s trailer, as well as a seven minute featurette.

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Elegy Review By Nicole

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Elegy Review By Maureen

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Elegy Review By Tony

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: Elegy is well acted, and the music is nice to listen to in the film. It does drag at times though, but would be worth at least a rental. *** (Out of 4)