Adapted from author Philip Roth’s novel The Dying Animal, director Isabel Coixet’s elegant tale of obsession explores the relationship between a highly respected professor (Ben Kingsley) and an impossibly gorgeous grad student (Penélope Cruz). As their relationship deepens, the professor finds his ego challenged by the girl’s enchanting beauty.
Born 9 April, 1960 in Sant Adrià de Besòs (Barcelona, Spain) is a Spanish film director. She received a History M.A. at University of Barcelona and has worked as a journalist and director for several television advertisements. In 2000 she created Miss Wasabi Films, a production company in charge of the development of several documentaries. Creative director of JWT, founder and creative director of the agency Target and the production company Eddie Saeta, she has done several ads for the brands: British Telecommunications, Ford, Danone, BMW, Ikea, Evax, Renault, Peugeot, Winston, Kronenbourg, Pepsi, Kellogg, MCI, Helene Curtis, Procter Gamble, Philip Morris and the Fundación Once, amongst others. She is a public supporter of the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party and made several advertisements for television during the 2008 Elections. Member of the jury at the Berlin Film Festival in 2009, Coixet, along with Bigas Luna, are selected to be in charge of the exhibit at the Spanish World… read more
Somewhat boring but still quite thought provoking drama about the foundations of human relationships. Love, sex and friendship - lust, trust and responsibility. These topics are presented from subjective perspective without ready or easy answers. On the other hand, I do criticize the overwhelming upper-middle-class point of view which enables full break away from questions concerning ones position in society.
Another unsuccessful Philip Roth adaptation. Nevertheless, it is a solid effort with great performances from Ben Kingsley and Penélope Cruz.
A vicious and biting drama, the best kind. Chock-full of brilliant performances from everyone involved, Elegy is nothing short of extraordinary. Ben Kingsley, especially, as a misogynistic professor profoundly changed by his student (Cruz) is top-notch. And Meyer, who directed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, makes a 180° turn from sci-fi to write one of the best screenplays of 2008.