Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants Red Carpet Wrap

It was gridlock in midtown Manhattan and on the red carpet when 20^th Century Fox hosted the premiere of “Water for Elephants,” which opens Friday nationwide. Flocks of fans waited for hours lining the streets for a glimpse of Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon, who in this period piece find themselves romantically linked, despite the fact that Reese’s character Marlena is married to the animal trainer (Christoph Waltz).

Both gracious actors signed reams of autographs before strutting down the crowded carpet. Newlywed Witherspoon, who was a complete knockout in her Jason Wu white number, told reporters being called Mrs. Toth is “great” and that working with Pattinson was dreamy, even if he had a runny nose during their steamy scenes in the film. “Even if this guy is sick, I’m so lucky,” the 35-year-old actress gushed. “Not only is he super sexy and obviously incredibly handsome, but he’s really a lovely, nice person.” Below are highlights of what the others had to say about working with Reese and Robert, as well as on this distinguished film.

Q: So Robert, how did you prepare for the role?

Robert Pattinson: I was hanging out with the elephant a lot of the time and watched a few documentaries, but really I was working with the train and the tent and we just rehearsed out there and you could feel everything.

Q: Ken, tell me about your character Earl?

Ken Foree: Earl is the enforcer with heart, a soul and passion – I hope that reads on the screen. He’s a great guy and he just makes sure nothing happens to Christoph [Waltz] and makes sure things go right with the circus and there are no people interrupting our Greatest Show on Earth.

Q: What was it like working with Robert?

Ken: He was fun and incredible. Look at him – does this guy look like he can handle me? He was difficult to handle – very strong and very tough.

Q: Sara, were you surprised to see your book come alive on film?

Sara Gruen: When I finished the book, I didn’t even know if I’d be able to sell it. I couldn’t be happier. I never in my life thought it would happen, so it was incredible.

Q: How was it working with the crew and were you pleased with the final result?

Sara: It was an amazing experience and they did such a wonderful job.

Q: How did you feel about the casting and did you have any input into it?

Sara: No, I didn’t have any input, but I thought [the casting] couldn’t get any better.

Q: Donna, what was it like playing Barbara?

Donna Scott: It was fantastic to play Barbara and doing burlesque dancing with a fabulous famous choreographer Tracy Phillips – she choreographed a four-minute routine. To be able to do that – and learned how to twirl tassels – it was really exciting! And then to kiss Robert Pattinson – I mean who wants to do that, right? (laughs)

Q: Were you nervous auditioning for this role?

Donna: When I auditioned, I told Francis [Lawrence], the director, I was a level 4 pole dancer, so he realized then that I didn’t have a problem about anything with the character. When you get to be my age, you’re just not shy anymore.

Q: What was it like working with Reese and Robert?

Donna: I didn’t feel intimidated because the environment was so family-friendly and like a real circus – you just felt like you were really there. I’ve known Reese from before, and Rob is so inviting and Christoff was just a breath of fresh air. Everyone was kind and generous.

Q: And about that kiss with Robert – were you nervous?

Donna: I wasn’t nervous – the hardest thing I was trying to do was get the positioning right to make sure we were both in the camera shot the right way and making sure that I didn’t get lipstick on him – it wasn’t like I was thinking ‘Oh my god, I’m going to smack down Robert Pattinson with my lips.’ So that’s what I was really thinking about, instead of macking out with the biggest heartthrob in the world today.