March 9th, 2011 / 19 Comments


As Maria mentioned, we are in the process of doing discussion threads for all of Rob’s upcoming films & next up as you can see is Water For Elephants.  Not sure if there is anyone who hasn’t read the book, but in case there is – don’t go beyond the ‘more’ button as there will of course be spoilers.  Oh & also – do yourself a favour & read it asap.

Note: links to the discussion threads can be found on our Films page

I cannot believe it was over a year ago that I first read Water For Elephants, it seems no time ago that Rob’s involvement was announced & now here we are counting down to the film’s release *happy dance*  Jacob is such a sweet, kind character & so easy to love. Of course imagining Rob as I was reading made him even better.  I could so see him as Jacob Jankowski – he is perfect for this role in every way. Thought I would start our discussion off with some parts of the book that I loved the most & what I am looking forward to seeing on the big screen.  If I were to list them all – we might be here for a while – well forever lol.

Jacob jumping on the Benzini Brothers train.

Jacob & Rosie – I LOVE the scenes between these two & the relationship they form.  He & Marlena adore this elephant & she adores them in return.  We see just how loyal this gorgeous elephant is to Jacob & Marlena & how much she loves them when she kills August during the stampede – saving both, well all of their lives.

Jacob & Marlena – such a beautiful but very complicated love story between the two. Marlena finds something in Jacob that she never has in August – genuine love, sincerity & in the end – safety & true & long lasting happiness.

Jacob’s friendship with Camel & Walter (Kinko).  It tore my heart out when Jacob realised Camel & Walter had been redlighted.

Jacob & August on top of the train.  I loved this part when I was reading & was so excited that we got to see some footage in the second trailer.

Jacob in clown makeup.  LOL I cannot wait to see Rob like a clown – will be so adorable.

I LOVE the way the story ends with Jacob’s return to the circus.  As Jacob says in the last line of the book “It’s Like Charlie told the cop. For this old man, this is home”

And seeing as we have four trailers (first & second & two international), of course I had to include:

Source,Source & Source

Who can ever forget the excitement of 16 December 2010 when the first trailer was released. Seriously, tears of joy.  Our first official footage of Rob as Jacob Jankowski. Seeing him with Rosie, patting her trunk & looking at her with that gorgeous expression on his face. Not to mention his scenes with Reese – they really do sizzle on screen.   I watched the trailer every day for I cannot remember how long.  Then 4 March 2011 when the second trailer was released – seriously I have no words to describe it.  I mean I knew the film was going to be amazing but still, Rob & the trailer just took my breath away – you all know exactly what I mean.  This film is going to be so so beautiful.   SO much emotion in this trailer – makes me cry every single time I watch.   As I said last week, just imagine how we are going to feel after seeing the whole film – all near on 2 hours of it when we feel this way after seeing the trailers that go for a little over 2 minutes.  So powerful, so beautiful.

Some fave parts for me :

Seeing a little bit of Jacob’s back story, him beginning to take his vet exam then receiving the news that shattered his world – his parents had been killed.  The scene where Jacob breaks down is just – no words.   Rob’s intense emotional scenes are always so heart wrenching – he does them just beautifully.

The look on Jacob’s face while standing near the railway tracks then when he frantically runs & jumps on the Benzini Brothers train.

When Jacob is in the middle of the stampede desperately searching for Marlena, sees her & yells out her name.  The way he says her name is just – once again no words.

The second International trailer – *__________________________*, Jacob’s narration, Jacob & Marlena, everything= goosebumps & me breathless - I CANNOT wait.  64 days to go & counting down EVERY SINGLE SOLITARY ONE.

OK, I’ll stop talking now – you know when it comes to Rob I could talk forever.   It’s over to you….

  • Liz
    Posted on March 09, 2011

    I chose to read this once I found out rob was going to be in the movie but before my crush had fully developed (sigh). It was a great story and truly original.
    Im really glad to see it being made into a film because as great as the book was, there were some parts that could have been…. Captured better (not meaning to sound a critic).
    There was also a scene or two I would prefer them to skip eg. Kinko and his 8-pager. Ewww
    I’m just really looking forward to seeing rob in a movie with normal makeup, shorter hair, and surrounded by such a wonderful cast. Especially Christoph Waltz. If he nails it (as I’m sure he will) that humble pie will be extremely sweet.
    But back to the scenes I’m looking forward to, I guess the one I’m looking forward to the most is that trip to marlena and august’s trailer for dinner where August is clearly getting suspicious – with that cast and Rob front and centre it’s going to began amazing scene – and ofcourse the stampede.
    And that dance – sigh.

  • Kafka
    Posted on March 09, 2011

    I too only read the book because Rob’s part in it and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially as I could picture Rob as Jacob so clearly.
    One part of the book that I think is pivotal is how at the beginning of the book old Jacob remembers Marlena hitting August over the head and I assume killing him. In the middle of the book a nurse tells old Jacob that people change their memories and create their own reality. Then at the end of the book Jacob remembers Rosie stomping on August (?)and it is only after that memory that he is able to revisit a circus. I wonder if Hollywood will be brave enough to have their heroine as a murderer. They changed the end of Eclipse so it was almost unrecognizabe, I hope they are more adult with this.

  • Vicky
    Posted on March 09, 2011

    Where do I start? I had seen reviews of this book but wasn’t interested until I heard Rob was cast as Jacob. I wil forever be graateful as this is one of the most beautiful stories I have read in a very long time. Most of my friends have now read it also and loved it. Now onto the movie.
    I never doubted Rob’s ability to play Jacob but I couldn’t believe the level of emotion I felt watching the trailers, in all their forms. He really does bring Jacob Jankowski to life. The chemistry between Rob and Reese was apparent from the very first scene we saw of them and then you add Christoph Waltz to the mix, brilliant!!
    In terms of the scenes i’m looking forward to, I really want to see Rob’s interaction not just with Tai/Rosie but also the other animals. I truly believe this says a lot about a persons character. The overwhelming emotion at the loss of not just hisparents but the life and future that he had planned. Im also looking forward to seeing the development of the relationship with Walter. Rob in clown makeup is also a fave. But I am really looking forward to the stampede and seeing Rosie finally get her revenge on the cruel and brutal August.
    I didn’t think I could be more excited about this movie but then they released the trailers and it really does exceed all my expectations!!!
    This really is the role that will make people see just how much more there is to Rob and just how talented he is. I cannot wait for those critics to face the feast of humble pie and am looking forward to sitting back and watching them eat every last bit!!!

  • Carmel
    Posted on March 09, 2011

    I read W4E a few years ago and I must admit although I enjoyed it, this wasn’t one of my favourite books initially. I tend to stay away from love stories. However the parts when Jacob was older grabbed me straight away. Sara Gruen writes older Jacob so well.

    I had lent my copy out by the time Rob was cast in W4E so I went and got another copy. I must say, I enjoyed reading it so much more imagining Rob in the role. I am very pleased the book is going to the big screen. It is very visual. As you say Michelle, Rob is perfect for this role. He is Jacob. I loved reading it this 2nd time.

    I can’t wait to see when Rosie runs away and Jacob first understands how to connect with her.

    Jacob, August and the lion. OMG

    I’m also looking forward to the top of the train scene. That is going to be awesome.

    The night club. What we’ve seen in the trailers looks incredible. I can’t wait to see the whole thing play out. Having said that I haven’t watched the last Trailer. I’m on lock down and it is really hard, but after the NM debacle I find it best for me.

    All of Jacob’s interactions with Walter and Queenie are going to be treats. Squee. Rob and a dog.

    I’ll have to re read again to give any meaningful discussion on the book, but the movie is going to be epic. This has the feel of old time Hollywood and I think we all agree Rob has the impact to hold his own in that environment.

  • flori
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    i didn t read the book,i ve only read half of the script cuz my dumb computer broke and i lost almost everything i had in it…but there s one thing that i don t understant…in the trailer jacob shows up with a gun.is he like shooting anyone?cuz up until now he s been the one dead in 2 movies,unfortunately.oh,and i know it doesn t have anything in to do with WFE,but is he gonna die in cosmopils too?cuz if so,that sucks big time

  • Maria
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    Two of the scenes that I would love for them to have in the movie are:

    1. When August makes Jacob feed the big cats unbeknownst to Jacob that they are toothless.

    2. The initiation with the clown makeup.

    Oh there’s so much more I want to say but it’s too early and I haven’t had coffee.

    This role was made for Rob – a friend of mine saw a trailer on the Today Show yesterday and her comment was “this movie looks fantastic and Rob looks so handsome in it”. She’s not a hardcore Rob fan but comes to the movies with me and LOVED Remember Me.

    My response to her was – this role was made for Rob – it’s old world Hollywood glamour and that is what he is.

    Honestly this role WAS made for Rob. We say it all the time that he’s perfect as Edward, but he truly is everything that Jacob needs to make this character memorable.

  • Cindy
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    Read the book about 2 years ago and loved it. When I heard Rob was doing the movie well suffice to say a happy dance was done. You are so right Maria, Rob was made for this role. He so is old holywood glamour. And I love the voice he has given Jacob.And please dont think I am being smutty when I say this but I am looking so forward to that tender first time for Jacob with Marlene. It was so beautifully written in the book and was so tender and sweet. And the clown scene had me laughing out loud too so want to see Rob bring that to life especially if he has to “scratch” his “itchy bits”

  • ephie
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    I definitely agree that this role was made for Rob. He looks perfect in all the scenes so far and I am certain his acting will blow us all away. But I digress – like all of you here I could talk about Rob all day long….

    The scene in the book that I loved and hope has been included in the movie is the one after the very first time they see Rosie. When August storms out of the pen and there is music playing in the background and suddenly Jacob and Marlena find themselves dancing with Rosie watching them…I thought it was a beautiful and tender moment.

    And I want to see Rob interacting with the other animals as well. I hope they have included Bob the monkey who is attached to Jacob and wants cuddles…

    Everything about the movie looks amazing so far. They have captured the depression era feeling,the photography looks awesome and the acting will be first class.

    I could go on all day but being at work I have to end it here.

  • Martha M
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    I had no intentions of reading this book. I knew Rob would be starting in the movie and I thought I would just wait for the movie. Then a friend of mine read the book, she loved it, and told I had to read it. The next day I went and bought it. And I’m so glad I did. I just loved the story, even if Rob was not playing Jacob (but I do thank God he is) I would recommend it to anyone. It’s a story about life, lifes losses, lifes trials and tribulations, happiness. How unpredictablee like can be. Life can offer you all the happiness you can dream of, but it can also take it away,and give you sadness you dread dreaming of. I just loved the ending it wasn’t what I was expecting. It made me think that even though we will have losses in our life time, life is what you make it. You can give up and accept what it brings you without fighting or trying to challenge it, or can do as Jacob did and not give up and look for happiness no matter what life has given you, and no matter what age you are, it’s never too late to make your dreams happen. I really can’t say what my favorite part was I loved the book in it’s entirety. And what I’ve seen so far in the trailers, I think the movie has captured everything I wanted to see in it. I have lend my book out to so many of my family members and to friends and so far everyone that has read it has loved it. I experienced so many emotions reading this book. It made me cry over sadness & loss, but I also cried over happiness and triumph. I laughed, I got angry, I cussed (but that’s all the time, that’s one of my biggest flaws lol). So if you haven’t read it, like Michelle said “Do yourself a favor” and read it now! I promise you you won’t regret it, you’ll be so glad you did.

  • Martha M
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    @Michelle I just loved the way you posted everyhting, the way you included pictures of your favorite parts, and the way you included all the trailer. You did a beautiful job. Thank you so much for your time and your hard work. It really is appreciated.

  • ephie
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    I am glad you read the book Martha, because no matter how good an adaptation is nothing can compare to the book – usually. And you summed it up really well, what this story is about.

    So do you have any scenes that you would absolutely love to see included in the movie?

  • Martha M
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    @Ephie thank you. Hmm….I think everything I wanted included in the movie has been included, or at least that’s what I’m seeing in the trailers. I would really like to see the scene where Jacob gets drunk and is too drunk to lose his virginity. I found that scene so funny. I don’t think they’ll be showing or insinuating what Kinko does to him in his state of stupor, but that would be a great surprise if they did. But everything else I’ve wanted to see, seems to be included in the movie or at least I hope so. Regardless I think this movie is going to be amazing and Rob will shine like the stare he really is.

  • Vicky
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    I totally agree this movie has the old Hollywood glamour and that the role of Jacob was made for him. That special something we all see in Rob does make me think of the glory days of Hollywood with the Spencer Tracys and Clark Gables. A refinement that seems to have been lost over the years. I just cannot wait for the movie, in the trailers it just looks beautiful and I think on the big screen it is going to be just amazing! This is definitely Rob’s time to shine.

    All that said, I think it’s time for a second read!!

  • caro
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    Ive just read all your comments, I know I spoil it for myself. My copy still hasnt arrived yet 🙁

  • Martha M
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    @Vicky ITA with you. The trailers are gorgeous. I’ll never forget the day we were all waiting and anticipating for the trailer. When I saw it I cried, it moved me so much. I don’t know what it was maybe just seeing Rob bringning this role to life. Such a sweet role and I think he nailed it. But nothing compares to seeing the trailer on the big screen those few minutes I cried and screamed with excitment, I really didn’t hold back. I’m still shocked to this day they didn’t escort me out of the cinema. So if seeing the trailer on the big screen did that to me, God help me when I see the movie. And I just took the book out again (the new one with the improved cover) so I can flip through it and reread my favorite parts. My original one is loaned out, and just a few minutes ago, my friend that I lend it to came to tell me she can’t put it down and can’t wait to see the movie. So one more person I can add to the many times I will see it.

  • Martha M
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    @Caro I hope you get it soon. Even though you’ve read all our comments, there’s still so much more to the book, you’ll be surprised. I can’t wait for you to read it, you are going to love it.

  • Michelle
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    Hope your copy arrives soon Caro. You will LOVE it. I couldn’t stop reading once I started. I can honestly say it is one of my most fave books. Such a beautiful story. Heartbreaking but also filled with hope, happiness & true love. Old world Hollywood glamour is for sure. That IS Rob.

  • minette
    Posted on March 10, 2011

    I completely agree with you, Michelle and Martha….. for me is a very special book, I read it at the first rumour that Rob will work in the movie…and was a great revelation to me, the way Sara Gruen display the story, the characters, the very precise description of that times, the way Jacob is, his strong principles, and how the situation have an effect, hard to bear for him, I remember the scene in the church, and the heartbreaking confess to the priest. He was just a student, a young and loved son, and suddenly life came into him in a devastating form…but he was able to
    go on, even in those so different and strange scenery.

    The character seems to be write for Rob, he has the talents to show us exactly what we read…. I ‘m so excited to see the movie, because that trailers let me know that my imagination was not so far from what I see now….

    and I would like to say that if Jacob is amazing when he is young… when he is old is incredible! I love the way he became…his feelings, his intelligence his special nature…..I really thanks to Sara Gruen the final of the book, Jacob deserves it….
    Every scene of the book is important to me, and I will love to see them all…I cant make a choice!…. so I’m waiting every single bit of the movie!!!!

  • Val
    Posted on March 11, 2011

    I too, only read this book because you ladies all recommended it so highly – and of course because Rob’s in it. Picturing him in this role was so easy (erm, does he get to speak Polish??)….and then the trailer arrived, wow! Old Hollywood, yes. It’s interesting that Sara only decided to write about the circus once seeing pictures of circuses of this time period, and becoming intrigued in the stories behind them, instead of a completely different novel she was researching to write. A picture really can tell a thousand words. The photography that we’ve seen so far supports this magic Sara found and then described so well.

    I am interested to see how they wrap up the movie. Though sweet, I though it was almost a little too neat the way Sara did it (though I do love a happy ending as much as the next gal). Too often movies are let down by their last scene. One exception to that is RM of course!! That was mind-blowing! So I’m very intrigued about the film adaptation of the last piece of the Jacob puzzle.

    @Kafka you really made me think about the Rosie vs Marlena with August’s final moment and ITA it will be interesting to see how they adapted these difficult concepts (or if they left it out entirely & blame it on the stampede)

    @Cindy I don’t think you’re being smutty at all – besides us all wanting to see Rob in this moment, it was pivotal to the book’s plot 🙂 and @Martha M as usual you have summed things up really well. A beautiful story, that got me back into reading again too. This time cannot go quickly enough, until the whole world (not just the Twi’s) sees what we see in Rob.

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