Change Your Image
Eyes Wide Open
Reviews
Swimming Pool (2003)
Interesting, solid story & great acting
SWIMMING POOL is indeed an "art film", but do not let that scare you from seeing this movie. A unique thriller that sneaks up on you as the plot (which isn't very well known -- in a good way) plays out.
All the acting is great and the director's pacing and musical score deserve a special mention.
But as I was watching this film, I couldn't help but think I was seeing the birth of a new superstar. Ludivine Sagnier appears and steals your heart. She is stunningly beautiful, but that's only the half of it. She not only commands your attention by her looks, but the character she creates is truly special and the key to making this film work. A wonderful, brave performance.
I think Hollywood will come calling soon for her. And that will benefit moviegoers worldwide.
Woman on Top (2000)
What's the lesson?
So what this film teaches us is that... if you cheat on the woman you love, break her heart, she will take you back if you act like a stalker. Also, all nice guys are gay.
It's a shame. All the elements were there for a nice story. But instead of the leading lady trusting herself on her own, she digresses back to her old flame because he sang to her.
Dumb.
From Hell (2001)
Solid
FROM HELL has a solid story, is visually exciting and is genuinely entertaining. Depp is good as the Inspector on the case. I was afraid it might be a retread of his SLEEPY HOLLOW character, but it wasn't.
All the acting was top rate, except for Heather Graham.
I don't know if this was a "studio" decision or the Hughes Bros. decision to cast Ms. Graham in this film, but whomever's decision it was, it was a mistake. Graham is gorgeous, which is a problem. She looked nothing like a 19th century, poor London whore. All the other prostitutes were fat, ugly and had brown teeth - except for Graham who was her gorgeous self with dyed red hair. I don't think they even had that color hair in London at that time. It sounds like I'm picking on her look too much, but it was incredibly distracting throughout the film and constantly "took me out of the film." Her performance was passable, but far from up to par with Depp, Holm & the rest. I am a big fan of Graham in films such as DRUGSTORE COWBOY & BOOGIE NIGHTS, but not here, not in this film.