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ELEGY (Running Time: 106 min; Rated: R) 

FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS

Reviewed by Denise Castillón 

TOUCHING “ELEGY” DELIVERS A PASSIONATE TRIBUTE TO CINEMA

The superbly crafted ELEGY is a potent drama with brilliant and moving performances from Sir Ben Kingsley, Penelope Cruz and, quite undeniably, Dennis Hopper. Despite its pre-Oscar season release, this impressive film is sure to evoke multiple nominations by the Academy. 

ELEGY embraces deliberate plotlines, strong character development and a deviance from a conclusive ending.  These characteristics of French Cinema are undoubtedly derive from its award-winning European director Isabel Coixet (THE SECRET LIFE OF WORDS, MY LIFE WITHOUT ME).

Nicholas Meyer’s screenplay, based on “The Dying Animal” by Philip Roth, retains the satirical humor and powerfully expressive language as written in the acclaimed author’s novella. In contrast to his previous film adaptation of Roth’s “The Human Stain”, Meyer effortlessly translates this shorter story onto screen.

Aging serial seducer and college lecturer, David Kepesh (BEN KINGSLEY), enjoys the attention of young female students drawn to his minor celebrity status as a cultural critic on TV and radio. Professor Kepesh calculatingly avoids sexual harassment charges by dating his students after posting their grades. He has managed to preserve his personal independence by maintaining purely sexual relationships, until Consuela Castillo’s (PENÉLOPE CRUZ) “elegant austerity” graces his classroom. Now, the once self-assured philanderer is completely befuddled by this “work of art”. David and his best friend, poet George O'Hearn (DENNIS HOPPER), regularly confide each others sexual escapades. George strongly urges his pal to end the tenuous affair before the girl does. Although still fearful of their 30-year age difference, Kepesh obsessively pursues the sexually-confident Cuban beauty. When David’s jealousy reduces him to impulsive and destructive adolescent-like behavior, George further advises that he should “stop worrying about growing old, and start worry about growing up.” 

An introduction speech prepared by Kepesh, honoring George’s esteemed literary contributions, set offs significant and life-changing events for both friends. 

A later turn in the plot leads to this rebuke from Consuela, “You do everything…alone.”, and causes Ben Kingsley’s character to finally grasp the costly restrictions of his treasured autonomy. 

Additional fine performances given by cast members Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard and Deborah Harry.

Directed by Isabel Coixet. Based on the novella, The Dying Animal, by Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roth. Screenplay written by Nicholas Meyer. Cinematography directed by Jean-Claude Larrieu, with collaboration from the director, Isabel Coixet. Edited by Amy E. Duddleston.  Produced by Andre Lamal, Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg. Executive produced by Eric Reid. A Lakeshore Entertainment Group Production, released by Samuel Goldwyn Films.