swimming pool (2003) Film Review
In the movie "Farewell, My Lovely" (1975), Robert Mitchum's character describes Charlotte Rampling's femme fatale with a captivating look. Even if you're not sure what that means, you get the vibe. Rampling has always exuded an aura of knowing things you haven't even considered. From her bold roles in films like "The Night Porter" (1974) to her latest in "Swimming Pool," where she takes on the role of a sensuous and deceptive character fascinated by a young female predator.
swimming pool (2003) Film
Rampling portrays Sarah Morton, a British crime writer on a break at her publisher's French villa. Initially tired and uncertain, the change of scenery sparks her writing inspiration. Alone in the villa, except for a quiet caretaker and his daughter, who's a bit unconventional. Unexpectedly, Julie (played by Ludivine Sagnier), the publisher's unmentioned daughter, arrives. Sarah is bothered by the intrusion into her privacy and sense of decorum.
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Julie, full of self-confidence in her emerging sexuality, disrupts Sarah's tranquil retreat. She flaunts her topless presence by the swimming pool and brings different men to the villa. These men share only one thing in common – Julie's willingness to accommodate them. Sarah is taken aback, intrigued, disapproving, and curious. She starts observing Julie from high windows and even sneaks glimpses into the girl's diary over time.
In the town, there's a waiter named Franck (played by Jean-Marie Lamour) who Sarah has chatted with. It seems he might be aware of her enduring sexuality. However, he also becomes one of Julie's conquests, possibly because Julie senses Sarah's interest in him.
As the story unfolds, the film takes a dark turn involving violence, guilt, panic, deception, and concealment. I won't delve into the details, as films like this are meant to take you on their own journey. Francois Ozon, the director and co-writer, skillfully navigates the small steps that lead to a wrong decision turning into a terrifying paranoid nightmare. There's a gripping understanding of the unsettling nature of concealing a crime that begs to be revealed.
A notable moment in the film showcases Charlotte Rampling's cool audacity. Without giving too much away, she startles and distracts the caretaker in a way that's both surprising and bold. Ozon, known for films where the absent is more disturbing than the present, previously collaborated with Rampling in "Under the Sand" (2000).
"Swimming Pool" differs from Ozon's previous works, leaning more towards a conventional thriller. Yet, it leaves you wanting to reconsider everything. Without giving away spoilers, there's one interpretation that resolves all difficulties, but revealing it would be a spoiler worth killing for.