2008, USA
Drama, Romance
In Elegy, director Isabel Coixet (The Secret Life of Words) draws out the indulgent, languid poetry from Philip Roth’s short novel, "The Dying Animal." Everyone must die sometime, but how will each person savor the moments up until that point -- by frittering it away in a series of forgetful, self-gratifying escapades or by drinking in life's unplanned joys?
Professor David Kepesh prefers to chew instead of swallow, evident by the title of his book, The Origins of American Hedonism. Ironically teaching a course on Practical Criticism, he uses his vast and well-bred cultural knowledge to seduce rather than appreciate. He finds himself under the charm of a stunning young student, Consuela, but has the restraint to wait until grades are given to make his move. After all, he is a man of specific principals. Presumably unlike previous conquests -- the audience becomes aware of his modus operandi though no substantial history is provided -- she is wary of his ways and yet allows him to lead with his heart instead of his willful mind.
David's narrative soon divides along Freudian lines: the young man he tries to remain to his constant friend in superego fashion, the id-like conflicting actions he portrays to Consuela, and the truthful ego of his internal monologue. Struggling between the man frozen in time and the man into whom Consuela is helping him to finally evolve, David barely questions the rules he created before he understood the value of a dedicated relationship.
As the externally suave, internally befuddled professor, Ben Kingsley inhabits the complex role perfectly. Few others could portray such believable chemistry between two bodies 30 years apart, especially when the other is the body of Penélope Cruz as Consuela. Usually merely eye candy in English-speaking roles, perhaps working for a Spanish director brought out the best in the Spanish actress who has a history of providing her best performances in her native tongue. Her portrayal is strong and textured, despite a forced view of her character as an empty shell of beauty.
Dennis Hopper portrays David's confidant, George, and has a bit of personal experience to impart from staying married to someone 32 years his junior for the past 12 years, though his character insists such a connection could be nothing beyond physical. (Incidentally, Kingsley married for the fourth time -- one less than Hopper -- last year to someone 31 years younger.) George tells David exactly what he wants to hear based on years of shared experiences, yet David finds himself attempting to shatter the reflection.
The other devil on his shoulder is David's sultry sex buddy, Carolyn, portrayed aggressively by the talented Patricia Clarkson. Their relationship consists of perfectly detached passion, until Carolyn realizes that 20 years without conversation can lead to a buildup of unintentional secrets.
As the acknowledgment of age falls upon David in forms he could not have predicted, he watches the world around him settling into place as he pulls back the reins to a more carefree era. His grown son reflects his confusion and distress, as he finds himself mirroring the father he detests. The cycle continues, but a simple shift in the definition of age and beauty causes the ride to fly off of its hinges in an attempt to get onto the right track.