Elegy

Director: Isabel Coixet
Genre: Drama
Year: 2008

A strong drama always gets to me and this is precisely that, the story of David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley; Transsiberian, Lucky Number Slevin) a cultural critic, persona and professor who has spend the most of his life living in independence and free from any social commitment. Even the small relationship he keeps on the side with Carolyn (Patricia Clarkson; Vicky Christina Barcelona, Lars and the Real Girl) has no strings attached and is about as consistent as he is liable to get. It is, therefore, a curve ball when, Consuela (Penelope Cruz; Volver, Vicky Cristina Barcelona), a young cuban woman walks into his class and gains his attention without knowingly provoking it. Once grades have been turned in, David decides to try to bed her, but when the resulting relationship turns out to be more than a one night stand, Kepesh’s life is turned upside down.

Dealing largely with relationships, this film also focuses on life decisions in general and the amount of time we spend on earth in relationship to ourselves and others. Keeping the audience point of view strictly David’s, we are able to witness his relationship not only with the two women in his life, but with his son, with his best friend, his co-workers and others around him. Slowly but interestingly we are able to witness the change in his life, which in terms of the film is not always entirely consistent but in general achieves the right point.

Expect a slower film, relatively introspective but very well acted. Kingsley turns in one of his best performances in years and Penelope Cruz steadily gains credibility, with yet another wonderfully acted role (his last two – Volver and Vicky Cristina Barcelona – are also very much worth watching). The directing is very strong and does not beat the subject matter over the head, leaving enough for the audience to chew on while leaving enough openness that in the end, a certain number will find this a relatively sad film and others relatively hopeful. Certainly a film to discuss afterward, given that it presents a number of interesting aspects that are quite intriguing.

Rating:
Comment: Nudity and sexuality, adult themes and situations, some language as well.
Quote: David Kepesh: When you make love to a woman you get revenge for all the things that defeated you in life.