the book, written by sara gruen, itself has gained a following even before talks of a movie adaptation surfaced. but when it was confirmed some time ago that mr. edward cullen himself was playing jacob, the following increased probably ten-fold thanks to the world’s most ravenous fans.

i’m not sure how literary snobs view this sudden popular attention from girls a-twitter to one book destined to be a modern classic (a book most of them would likely not even glance at if it weren’t affiliated with pattinson), but i am all for moving this story from the pages to the big screen whatever which way they want to do it. besides, i can always count on obsessed fans to post behind-the-scenes photos online.

this one, for instance. probably the part where jacob jankowski tries to hop onto a passing train.

directed by francis lawrence (constantine, i am legend), the movie is scheduled for release in 2011.

here’s jacob bruised and bloodied.

playing marlena, the beautiful rider in the circus’ equestrian act, is reese witherspoon.

she and robert play the star-crossed lovers, and, as rumors have it, are creating such wonderful chemistry, it might make the alleged girlfriend jealous.

in the role of the antagonist, august (animal trainer in the book, ringleader in the movie), is cristoph waltz. the one who made our jaws drop in awe as col. hans landa, the ss jew hunter in inglourious basterds.

here are jacob and august in what appears to be a conversation on top of a moving train.

and here they are… uh, probably going on set.

mark povinelli plays kinko/walter, the little man jacob makes friends with.

author sara gruen herself makes a cameo appearance. here she is with tai, the elephant who plays rosie.

since this is a circus movie, expect more animals…

let’s not forget the streets for the big parade.

and, of course, the circus train where much of the story occurs.

and here are my three favorite photos on set, so far.

true to devoted fan form, robert pattinson followers have put up an unofficial website for the movie. probably one of the best fan-made movie sites today, it is the most comprehensive source of information on water for elephants you can ever hope to find. including set photos, casting calls, tweets from people involved in the film and even this very interesting account from an extra. with journalistic tenacity, one blogger even went on location to take photos of the old hotel where some scenes were shot.

my favorite photos from her “coverage”:

head on down to the website for more things water for elephants. even if you aren’t a big fan of pattinson, you would find the goings-on behind the scenes such a magical thing to behold. let the fangirls unfold this spectacle before your very eyes!

i’m wondering why she is all coiffed yet walking along a street with garbage in the background… nevertheless i am all for the neutral oversize shirt and dark skinny jeans (a combination that’s been trendy for the past how many years). i’m not a big fan of large sling bags for myself, but i like seeing them on other people, like this blue one on hayden. of course, the thong sandals and the aviator shades are staples.

lindsay lohan – dislike

the tight shorts with a knit top that looks like something jennifer beals would wear to her flashdance workout befuddles me. and she’s carrying a lumpy jacket, what is that about? don’t even start with those shoes. the bag and the shades are tres chic though, but too little to save the whole ensemble.

whitney port – like

a better version of what lindsay is trying to pull off above. the best part? the plastic bag of groceries and the coffee.

miley cyrus – dislike

i like the scarf top, the stacked bangles and the shoes… but there is something about a pair of high-waist leather shorts that makes the entire thing look just wrong.

jessica alba – like

here is jessica walking from a dental clinic. i like everything about this: the cropped jacket, relaxed cami, torn jeans, roomy shoulder bag, black sandals and oversize aviators. i adore the multi-strand necklace and the stacked bracelets. it’s a look that says she doesn’t give a damn but you know she does…

reese witherspoon – like

here is reese from a theater with her lady friends. i am not a fan of all-black ensembles, but i really love this one. a classic cardigan over a turtleneck shirt, slim pants and pointed shoes with moderate heels. we’re seeing the wayfarer more and more since ’08, i’m glad it came back in trend (though i wouldn’t wear it myself). my favorite piece these past few weeks is reese’s handbag here! i wonder why she’s hanging out with middle-aged ladies?

penelope cruz – kinda like

penelope arrives at the airport disregarding travel comfort in stiletto heels… hey, she’s a hollywood celeb, that’s how they roll. i don’t like it when people wear dark glasses in dark places, but what can you do if you’re dodging the paps? it didn’t help penelope one bit that her companion that day, javier bardem, didn’t attempt at all to conceal his identity, so the cameras were on to them. i’m a little iffy about her whole outfit being gray, but i love the silhouette, the swishy gossamer top over slim jeans so i’m going to kinda like this anyway.

cameron diaz – like

for some reason, my favorite trend this year is the sheer cotton shirt over a basic cotton tank top. cameron looks like she travels in comfort because unlike penelope above, she opted for flats. i’m all for cropped jeans, not flattering for legs like mine, but on mile-long ones like cameron’s, they look fantastic. it’s great to see too that she’s not all matchy-matchy with the handbag.

halle berry – kinda like

hmmm… maybe it’s too plain, but i think this is a shot of her and baby going to a pool party, so i’m guessing this cotton shirtdress is but a cover-up for what i’m sure is a hot bikini.