Movie Review: The Swimming Pool

Story: I am going to dive right into it - I LOVED THIS FILM! Watching it was like being enveloped in a wonderful novel. The story, the detail, the color and the interesting characters all allow you to be engaged by their actions. Young French director Francois Ozon is someone to watch. This is his first film in English.

A middle aged successful, but bitter English author (think P.D. James or Agatha Christie) is encouraged by her publisher to use his home in France to get away, refresh and find her seemingly lost Muse. Her discovery is our reward. I don't want to give anything away but suffice it to say you have a think a little and be willing to let this film roll over you and go with the flow. It is unhurried, beautifully filmed and very bewitching. The boundaries between fantasy and reality are blurred. It works as a mystery a thriller and great entertainment.

If you are tired of summer special effects mindless blockbusters, go see this first rate film. Did I mention there's lots nudity?

Acting: Charlotte Rampling is even better than she was in Under the Sand and I did not think that performance could be better. She is a pleasure to watch. She's a beautiful 58 year old actress who has obviously not gone under the knife to improve her looks to meet ridiculous Hollywood type standards. Brava to her! Her young counterpart Ludivine Sagnier is someone to watch. She is wonderful in her complex role as the young Julie.

Predilections: I liked director Francois Ozon's other two films - Under the Sand and 8 Women.

Critters: Sadly none. The film could have used a dog.

Food: Food was a big part of the film. Everything from delicious looking desserts to junk food. I was hungry when I left the theater.

Visual Art: Ozon's art direction was exemplary. There was not a wasted shot in the entire film. Many of the shots reminded me of paintings and painters such as David Hockney, Vuillard, Caravaggio and Eric Fischl. A visual delight.

Blatant Product Placement: Diet Coke (actually the European Coke Lite), Samsung computer and Canon printer.

Soundtrack: Beautiful.

Opening Titles: Deep black screen with swimming pool blue type.

Theater Audience: A few other riveted film go-ers including the two of us. I was glad to have gone with a film buddy and suggest that you go with another person because there is much to discuss at film's end.

Quirky Meter: 3

Predictability Level: I was delightfully surprised at every turn.

Oscar Worthy: Yes.

Nit Picking: No nits to pick with this beauty of a film.

Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure.

Length: Under two hours.

LOBO HOWLS: 9