Why else expand the role of Consuela (a thin one in the novel) to equal status in the film? Well, not exactly, because she still seems defined by the way Kepesh relates to her. But Cruz's portrayal elevates Consuela, and verbalizes all the questions and opinions Kepesh keeps to himself regarding his dubious respect for women. Coixet effectively softens the boorish behavior exhibited by Kepesh simply by showing Consuela, a fully formed female, and a conservative one, falling for this jealous man, a person just as deserving of love as anyone is.
In a year top-heavy with big action films, one hopes that the fall season brings films with a longer intellectual shelf-life. Elegy is a good indicator that it will. Seek this one out.
Elegy is in limited release in theaters across the country.
Still provided courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.
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