"The Swimmer" is a very interesting film that stars Burt Lancaster. Lancaster is on a mission. He wants to swim home. He wants to visit every house on his way home and take a swim in their pool. Sounds a bit odd, doesn't it? Well, that is what Lancaster is in this film. There is something wrong with him, but we just don't know what it is.
Every time Lancaster visits a new neighbor, more background is given to this strange man. It seems that Lancaster is living in the past. The last couple of years seem to be missing from his memory. The neighbors have grudges and attitudes toward Lancaster, but he does not know why.
When it seems that the film is just a ridiculous movie about a man swimming in pools, it becomes more than just that. He is on a mission to find out who he really is and what has happened to him these past few years. We never really find out exactly what has happened, but throughout the film, you can put the puzzle pieces together.
Lancaster was very good in this movie. His character changes so much from the beginning of the film to the end. He begins as a confident, friendly, womanizer. By the end of the film, he is a depressing old man. His character really changed drastically.
I can see how "The Swimmer" might not be for everyone though. For one thing, it is one of the corniest films I have ever seen. I love corny, however. There is one scene where Lancaster and his female companion that he has picked up for a swim are jumping over hurdles. The scene seems to last forever and is more than corny. Even the music is corny, but I really enjoyed it. When Lancaster would leap in the air, the music would stop. It would then continue as he touched the ground. I actually kind of liked that. It was fun!
"The Swimmer" is a very unique movie that does seem to be ahead of its time. Lancaster's character had everything at one point in his life, but by the end, we realize that his perfect life was long lost.
B I recommend it.
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