Elegy (2008)

In between the release of Japan’s Tokyo Elegy (1999) and America’s Hillbilly Elegy (2020) came Elegy (2008) from Spanish filmmaker Isabel Coixet. Based on Philip Roth’s novel “The Dying Animal” (2001), this romantic drama includes Deborah Harry and Peter Sarsgaard. Yet the real star is Ben Kingsley who plays a professor named David Kepesh. When we meet him, we learn that he can’t commit to a relationship. That is, until he meets sexy student Consuela Castillo (Penélope Cruz). How could he not become fixated on the sensual señorita? Understandably, his lust for her leads to a secret rendezvous. But since David is unwilling to bring their affair into the open, he loses her. After a few years, he realizes what a schmuck he’s been. Luckily, he hears from Consuela again. Alas, she reveals that she has health issues. Nevertheless, Professor Kepesh finally learns his lesson and chooses to stay and commit to her. What a happy ending! You may also experience a happy ending when you get a gander at Ben’s hairy chest. Although age usually brings wisdom, it also happens to bring arousal when it comes to this esteemed gent. And fortunately for us, Elegy gives us some great shots of the actor’s upper body. Yes, the topless Oscar winner flashes his flesh while in the sack with Patricia Clarkson. If that’s not hot enough, Mr. Kingsley sizzles on screen when he and Dennis Hopper bare their chests at the sauna. As you can guess, the steamy scene is muy caliente!