Elegy

Director: Isabel Coixet
Cast: Penelope Cruz, Ben Kingsley, Peter Saarsgard, Patricia Clarkson, and Dennis Hopper
Genre: Drama 2008
Running Time: 112 mins.
Rating: ★ ★½

Respected cultural critic and author, David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley) is a middle-aged college professor who, for years, has lived in a state of "emancipated manhood." His romantic conquests are many; his lasting commitments few. But when a stunning young students student (Penélope Cruz) enters his life, her otherworldly beauty captivates him to the point of obsession. Soon, their erotic relationship evolves into a undying and passionate love that explores the powers of love to blind, reveal, and transformation.

There are many questions that this movie brings up. At what point, in the unescapable aging of our lives, do we act our age? In our minds, we are no different and it isn't until we look in the mirror, do we notice that old age has snuck up on us. At what point, does age difference affect the length of which a romantic relationship last? Can you train an old dog new tricks?

The death of the relationship in the movie, comes from David's (Kingsley) insecurity. There are moments that revive everyone's, as the audience, initial fear and excitement in starting a new relationship with someone. Ben Kingsley navigates you through these emotions and moments, that David goes through, absolutely brilliantly. Though you can't go wrong with Dennis Hopper and Patricia Clarkson, one can't help feel that this movie is beneath them.

 There's a weakness in story that I can't, put my figure on. Whether, it is in the Harold and Maude reference that love goes beyond age and all that matters is finding a connection with someone. Don't get me wrong, there is extreme beauty in that, but its been done. There's a familiarity in this movie that it bores and almost disgusts me. Maybe I hoped there would be a different outcome. Yes, the movie brings a sad one. Then again, that brings back the almost obvious Romeo and Juliet references, doomed from the start. "A pair of star-crossed lovers?" Maybe, I'm just trapped in the character, David's insecurity. Regardless the movie was a bit of a disappointment.