ELEGYGeorge: Beautiful women are invisible.
David: Invisible? What the hell does that mean? Invisible? They jump out at you. A beautiful woman, she stands out. She stands apart. You can't miss her.
George: But we never actually see the person. We see the beautiful shell. We're blocked by the beauty barrier. Yeah, we're so dazzled by the outside that we never make it inside.
Ben Kingsley is David, a charismatic college Professor, who, unlike before, finds himself mesmerized by one of his students, Consuela Castillo, (Penelope Cruz) although she is half his age. A relationship develops and soon becomes intimate and full of life. He lives through her eyes, fresh and new, wholeheartedly immersing himself in her experiences. However, over time, she questions his participation in the relationship, while he sees it more as an affair. Where the flame burned, it then fizzles until again, it is cold and dark. Elegy is a moving and life affirming film, well written, acted and directed. Cruz lights up a room and could make a sack cloth dress look stunning. Kingsley is hot. Upon first glance, he is self assured and cocky. Once Consuela has his heart, he does nothing short of donning full armor to protect it. It is that fatal flaw, his need for unconditional love that ultimately smashes the relationship to bits. Can it be mended?
Big Bite: A wondrous look into two lives and the meaning of love and friendship. Muy bien!
