Review of The Swimmer (1968) by Ben S — 01 Aug 2009
I am reviewing this movie for my first husband. He will never be on here, and would certainly not think of writing a review.
He seldom fails to reference this movie when reaching out, calling long distance to me quietly late at night or in the wee gaelic hours of his mourning in a melancholy mood of remembering our time together. We had many things in common, a love of Burt Lancaster movies and really great movies in general...However to this day, I find it startling and thought provoking that he recalls this movie with such fondness. It is haunting for me, yet...? Oh and don't make the mistake that he was middle-aged when he fell in love or identified with the longing/struggle of the movie...no we were in college. For years, I would and still share that my favourite was Separate Tables, then I became fonder of The Train, then taken by The Devil's Desciple, repeatedly like the prodical daughter reborn again and again to Elmer Gantry, in love with The Rainmaker *the most like the first husband!* with always a summary comment on the simplicity and frivolity of The Crimsom Pirate and The Flame And The Arrow!
So here it is...I am aware of the past and current critcal acclaim with artistic elements considered... let's just say the depth of the swimming pools, have not escaped me...however you decide...Watch it with a wife or husband and hope not to be formerly familiar!
WOW! Wait a moment...Now how about this for a uniquely similar and more obscure under-rated movie with the engulfing water element, getting lost and mesmerized by pools of liquid blue, the myriad of phallic references from water, diving into, lanquishing in, release, swimming against a tide / toward a distant horizon / home...lost achievement...reveling in and reliving lost youth!
Lifeguard (1976) with Sensual Sam Elliot!
Strange...I have never made this connection before! (The first husband even looks like Sam Elliot!) Duh...
I will have to re-watch Lifeguard, I think the ending also leaves us awestruck & in wonder.
Gotta go see if my funky record store has this, may have to order it!
This review of The Swimmer (1968) was written by Ben S on 01 Aug 2009.
The Swimmer has generally received very positive reviews.
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