Review of The Swimmer (1968) by Jj M — 15 Oct 2011

A bizarre, enigmatic and thoroughly perplexing film. A triumph of 1960's mainstream film, only afterwards gaining the cult status it deserved. It wasn't liked by people upon it's release because it was too 'artsy'.

But I'd imagine it was more to do with it being too confrontational to American ideals. It's an absolute gem of a movie. It takes you in and comforts you. Janet Landgard's perfect bronze body bathes in the sun and you think 'this is just lovely.

' But then she runs off in horror and suddenly the film is chewing you up and spitting out with venom. The soft, smiling and sunny outer layer of the wealthy American middle classes is deconstructed down to a naked, cold and lonely core and Lancaster personifies the odyssey with superb dramatic prowess.