Water for Elephants delves into the dramatic and often chaotic world of circus troupes during the Great Depression.
On the verge of becoming a veterinarian, Polish American Jacob (Robert Pattinson) learns that his parents have been killed in a car accident. He's left with no money and must leave university without graduating.
One day, while wandering along a railway line, Jacob impulsively hops aboard a moving train. It is home to the 'most spectacular show on earth', The Benzini Brothers' Circus. He gets a job caring for the show's elephant, Rosie, and finds a way to communicate with the animal once deemed stupid.
Soon a forbidden romance develops between Jacob and Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the circus star who is married to the psychotic ringmaster, August (Christopher Waltz).
Waltz gives another Oscar-worthy performance. His Jekyll-and-Hyde portrayal puts viewers on edge - you never know when he'll turn crazy. In many ways, the anticipation is scarier than the outbursts.
Yet August has depth and a human side to him. He is a loving and caring husband, who rescued Marlena from obscurity and made her a star.