MovieChat Forums > Water for Elephants (2011) Discussion > Christoph Waltz

Christoph Waltz

posted 13 years ago by chas437
18 replies | jump to latest

Christoph Waltz gives an amazing performance as August, that essentially makes the film. I found other performances to be pedestrian. Waltz's portrayal of the strong-handed, circus patriarch was Oscar worthy for sure. Depression era, traveling circus acts weren't much for human or animal rights. They were all about the show. As the Ring Master, Waltz really brings the circus to life. A villain to be sure, but August is also a man of his time. Waltz's brilliant performance as August is the most memorable thing about this very good, not great film.

[–] rnw_06 13 years ago

I totally agree. Did they really almost cast Sean Penn in that role? Yikes! He would have been awful...thank God Waltz played August instead.

[–] mad_roke 13 years ago

Though this role was very similar to the Hans Landa piece in "Basterds". The scene, where he finally "finds out" about Rob and Reese is a perfect example. Watching this scene, where he directs the two love birds for "this new show he has in his head" is absolutely a Hans-Landa-esque moment.
Remarkable actor and I hope he'll get a lot more jobs. Though I'm a Twilight hater I must admit, that I liked Pattinson in this movie a lot. When he's not pale as ash and has more interesting actors to interact with (instead of Taylor Shirtless and Kirsten Oneface) he can pull a good job. The movie made me appreciate Robert more, and I think I'll give films like "Little Ashes" now a chance to impress me. After all I cannot say anything against his participation in Twilight. It sure gets him tons of cash :D

[–] jomar68 13 years ago

Waltz gave an amazing performance in "Basterds". It was the first time I had seen his work and it was so impressive. I thought "what an amazing actor". In this movie he was also impressive but the similarities between August and Hans Landa have me wondering what kind of range Waltz has an actor. One thing I admire most about great actors like Paul Newman, Meryl Streep, is there ability to play completely different roles in many movies and always make me feel like they were the perfect actor for each of those parts.
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Striking similarities between August and Landa:

Composed likable personalities masking sadistic undertones with abrupt changes in demeanor.

The way he makes people feel uncomfortable while he is speaking to them in a calm manner. Contrast the scene where he directs the love birds in WFE with the opening scene in "Basterds" or for that matter any scene in which he is interrogating anyone.

The scene where he is attacking his wife in WFE with his murdering of Bridget von Hammersmark in Basterds.

In both movies his character is truly only concerned about maintaining his power over others as if only his concerns are significant.

Both characters are a bit clueless in overestimating their antagonists.
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Ultimately, I believe Waltz has enormous potential as an actor and I look forward to seeing more of his work. Hopefully he has more range than I give him credit for in this post.
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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] jomar68 13 years ago

"He does have range. In many of his earlier, German movies, he has played a wide variety of roles, including romantic leads, eccentrics, awkward teenagers, and even a patient in a mental asylum... Really, Christoph Waltz is being screwed by typecasting, which is a damn shame, if you ask me."

Thanks for this response. I can see him in romantic leads because he had several charming moments in both pictures I've seen him in. Eccentric works too.

If he accepts another roll that continues to typecast him then he's screwing himself too. "We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo author, Walt Kelly.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] Yinky 9 years ago

He played him again in Big Eyes.

[–] jomar68 9 years ago

Since my original post, he again played a similar part in Django Unchained. Great in all three movies but how long can this continue?

[–] Yinky 9 years ago

I'm with ya. I was so impressed with him in IB, then he did it again in Django and I thought, well....then I saw Big Eyes. Hope he's not a one trick pony, I really do like the guy.

[–] lamont-hard 11 years ago

Even though he was good one knew right away how this was going to end. This takes away so much from the film because it is hard to pay attention. I wish more films would give the benefit of the doubt about how men were in those times, instead of constantly showing they will loose out because of there harsh upbringing. The character was to cliche.

[–] gabypanama 12 years ago

100% agree

[–] GlitterDisaster 12 years ago

He's perfect <3

[–] amanda_mauno 12 years ago

He was great in this. I first saw "Inglourious Basterds" and totally fell for him! Saw this film today, and even if he was a brutal animal abuser, he had his moments where I felt for him. He had even more range in his character as August, than as Landa(even though Landa has much range). I was actually a bit sad when he died near the end of this film. He went from calm to agressive in a blink and he could show some real emotions and he always plays it straight. You can really feel that his characters are real.

I also saw "Carnage" today and he was really good in it as well. I also love Jodie and Kate, so it was not intended to be seen bacause of him, but now that I am a fan, I'm glad I did.

He plays such likeable characters. The only other actor for me that can pull it of as well is Malcolm McDowell. Actually Malcolm played a nazi that reminded me very much of Landa in The Passage from 1979. Oh, and they both drink milk and smoke while interrogating.

I am so looking forward to watching more of his films, also German language.

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[–] lakealice 11 years ago

I disagree. His scratchy, growly voice was completely inappropriate for a circus announcer. Think about it---- real announcers have thrilling dramatic voices that convey the magic of the circus. His voice also annoyed me throughout the film, and the scenes where he flew off the handle suddenly and became abusive weren't believable. I thought he was the worst actor in the movie, second only to Robert Pattinson and his catalogue of downcast looks and smirks.

[–] spookyrat1 11 years ago

I didn't think the other performances were pedestrian, but I agree that Christoph Waltz is a terrific actor with an amazing range, who really succeeded in making August a convincing sympathetic villain, brought undone by his uncontrollable jealousies and violent urges.

[–] terryperring104 10 years ago

Waltz is, for me, the best and biggest thing in Hollywood at the moment. He is an absolute STAR

[–] PrickWithAFork 10 years ago

I thought he was dreadful, a total ham. The standard of acting was generally poor, though that didn't bother me as the story and spectacle were good. I like Reese but I don't think she's a great actor - however she's competent and makes some good choices.

I'm a Prick With a Fork.

[–] rc-108 9 years ago

I like Waltz a lot.
This role to me was very similar to his role in Basterds.

He is a very eloquent speaker..
but I did not buy him as a ringleader in a circus.