The Swimmer (1968)

[@bladder1010]

This scene, like so many others in this movie is so beautifully filmed. Takes my breath away.

[@david_king_music]

I'm such a movie nerd that I found the house listing (the pool/metal enclosure is still there) and I just emailed the real estate agent for more info or backstory on the house. 109 Webbs Hill Road, Stamford, CT. I just found that pool unusually impressive and the size of its infrastructure is really rare. Built in 1939, it was the Bulova family house. Guessing they added the pool later, as it's got that 1950s vibe with the roman statues. There's also an article floating around about Mr. Caceres, the caretaker on the property until it was sold in 1987.

[@opencurtin]

I saw this movie as a kid and could not figure it out but was fascinated by it , I’d love to see it as an adult .

[@bladder1010]

I saw it as a kid too. It's really amazing. You can find it online if you look.

[@cherylmburton5577]

He was a middle aged man who had divorced and was questioning life. If you remember the ending, after he stopped and swam in all the pools and all people he knew having fun, happy for the most part, some not happy but very materially prosperous, and all along the way he talks about his wife and two girls, as if he was still married and they were at home waiting for him, and by the time he gets there it is raining, his body is racked with pain and he is limping. His estate is abandoned and all dark with overgrown weeds, and then he is on the tennis court, screaming, crying and hearing his daughters calling him, laughing, playing tennis, and he just keeps screaming. Very sad, depressing. I was 9yrs old and it was very disturbing to me also. He tried to race with the horse and it triggered off all that pain. He was not seeking God and his soul was empty and sick.

[@TheKingofDirk]

He was a great actor.

[@kingporter67]

R.I.P. Burt Lancaster and Joan Rivers!!

[@이종수-q6t]

It's deep meanning movie I'dont know english well, I was saw this movie 1969 53years ago camp carol in weguan town in Korea. I was 24years old rank seargent in KATUSA. I'm 77years oid now. I found out this film in utube thank Guy Westwell,^^

[@jcjcviews]

Cheever was an excellent writer. His prose was immaculate. Reading Cheever was like luxuriating in a fantasy world filled with sensuousness and longing. Although the world in which his characters are set is far different from mine, I could identify with them. For me, Cheever was a superb artist with a pen. Amazed to see this story in the film, which I've yet to finish watching; nothing could compare to the written word. For those of you unfamiliar with Cheever as a writer, I suggest you try him.

[@TheMusic4Soul]

great movie

[@plasticweapon]

the extra in the blue shirt and beige pants is a fucking hero.

[@plasticweapon]

reginald rose, (hence the rose) the author of "12 angry men". this scene was filmed at his house.

[@david_king_music]

@@plasticweapon what's the source that it was his house? I've heard a few different things about the house, that's why I'm asking, thanks!

[@bluemouse5039]

The plot of the movie reminds me a little of falling down with Michael Douglas where both are broken men that embark on a journey to go back home a place that doesn't exist anymore but believing that it does keeps them able to hold on to what little sanity they have left. One thing about this scene that stands out to me is at 4:16 when Joan Rivers is taken away from Ned by her male companion they freeze in place without any movement while others around are moving, I always wondered is there any significance by the film director for this to mean something?

[@bladder1010]

That's a really good observation. Both very poignant and underrated movies.

[@biegebythesea6775]

this looks GREAT.

[@LordGreystoke]

I don't understand how a man can be in denial of so much?

[@JAKEtheRAKE23]

The film is going for more of an allegory than for realism

[@definitedoll]

There's actor Dolph Sweet from "Gimme a Break"...

[@thomastedder2944]

look for the deeper meaning in this one.

[@Ettoredipugnar]

In 68 the parents had already lost control . They just didn’t know it yet..

[@killustrator]

Joan Rivers

[@simonsimon8572]

Poor Dude

[@deeklithgow1765]

The dude at 0:25 can really shake it.

[@Metatron141]

Has no one read the short story by John Cheever??? The short story came first

[@nouseforaname5378]

Yea some is us have

[@waynemcauliffe2362]

Mad film

[@seanodwyer4322]

The Swinger. '''

[@marksmith3947]

Great movie but don't watch if you want to enjoy the rest of your day.. or life

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

4:17 Continuity error: Joan Rivers and the other guu is by the steps and in the cut she disappears. Then when he's in the pool at 4:38 her stand-in appears, but with a different color hair and a dress instead of white pants suit.

[@Sulu-sw3zo]

Incorrect. Those two people are completely different characters. In the initial scene where the guy takes Joan away from conversing with Burt, the guy clearly has a black tie. These two characters near the pool, are just similarly dressed. Also at 4:41 you'll see just a flash of Joan as the camera pans, with her back to the camera, still standing at the steps to the left of the screen

[@Coronadoman]

man, what kinda fool would push Burt Lancaster?!

[@traceywatson5452]

The man has been stripped to his bare feet...😞

[@None-zc5vg]

The Lancaster character is clearly deranged (maybe having escaped from a bug factory) and unaware that he's lost everything (quite some time ago ago ) down to losing the shirt off his back. A major continuity error of sorts is that none of the other people [who hate and despise him ]in the various pool encounters refer to this (because it would ruin the plot if they did). They relate to him as if he hadn't been out of circulation for some two years or so.

[@plasticweapon]

i saw plenty of people reference him being out of circulation. having said that, you're in error to automatically assume that the film has a straightforward narrative.

[@mikeg2491]

@@plasticweapon It’s funny to go back and watch again after knowing the twist, it makes some of the scenes of him seducing and charming all the women he comes across as that much creepier while the first time viewing he seemed more like a romantic

[@Metatron141]

It sounds like you've never read the short story the Swimmer. This movie is based on that short story by John Cheever. I suggest you read it. It will help you understand the movie.

[@jcjcviews]

@@Metatron141 Me too! Isn't John Cheever one of the best writers you've encountered? His prose comes off so effortlessly. I often wonder about writers and drinking when they write. Do writers write when they're drinking? I'd be surprised if they did.

[@Metatron141]

@@jcjcviews In the old days some writers dipped in the sauce for inspiration but not all drank. Times have changed. Alcohol and drugs are barely used by writers now. Walter Tevis was an author and alcoholic. Amazing writer.

[@evhvariac2]

“The Pool Fool”

[@jcjcviews]

Hahaha😆😆

[@ginogennaroalonso1067]

FILM....EPIC THE END OF 1968.....SHARON TATE. 2021

[@biegebythesea6775]

why did they make him so orange?

[@JohnWilliams-h9g]

Very intersting point.. but hid a shade of disgrace