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The Elephant King (2006)

Director: Seth Grossman

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From Time Out New York

Seduced by Thailand’s perverse exoticism, a Western anthropologist-cum-slacker (Jonno Roberts) loses himself in drug-fueled oblivion and persuades his manic-depressive little brother (Ellington) to fly in from New York for a contact high. Supple camerawork and evocative cinematography don’t compensate nearly enough for a mealy plot that reduces all involved into the laziest cultural stereotypes. Naïveté drives the characters and the filmmaking—a lethal combination for a movie that’s desperate to come across as world-weary and wise.

Author: Stephen Garrett 2008-10-14 19:02:57

Time Out New York Issue 681: October 16 - 22, 2008

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User reviews of this film

  • suthernfried said...
    Posted on Oct 16 2008 10:43 Contrary to the critic's review, I found this film to be a accurate representation of a Westerner's experience in the "exotic" East. I visited Thailand for two weeks a few summers ago and experienced the thrills of riding on mopeds and in tuk tuks, and the lure of late night feasts and club dancing. I also experienced typical Thai lifestyle and spent time in Thai households, not just in Western-geared resorts.
    The skillful cinematography brought back the starkness of the temples and the somehow captured both the grand and the minute in their architecture and design.
    Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of a worried mother, unaware of modern Thai culture (or even that HIV is a virus, not a bacteria), was honest and showed the typical desperation a mother might feel if her son's expenses put her further into debt. Although some of the character's might seem stereotypical, I think they did possess depth. The actors playing the brothers had great chemistry, and anyone with siblings could identify with their rivalry/struggles.
    Overall, I enjoyed the screening and thought it was a good effort from this first time director. I predict his sophomore effort will be noteworthy.
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Cast & crew

Director: Seth Grossman

Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Tate Ellington, Florence Faivre

Rated: R

Duration: 90 mins

US Release: Oct 17 2008


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