jdarlingk Swimming Pool's director seems end the movie while leaving the audience with a burning mystery: Who was that "Julie" girl at the house in France? Was she really the publisher's daughter, was she an impostor, or was she something else entirely? Here's the spoiler --- and this is the REAL spoiler. In the next-to-last scene (which takes place in France), Sarah and the sexy "Julie" prepare to say their goodbyes. Julie crosses the room, and in doing so, passes in front of a full-length mirror. Now, if you saw the movie, did you notice that Julie's image never appears in the mirror?! It's no mistake. That "empty" mirror scene was the KEY to the plot. So the sexy "Julie" did not exist! She was a creation by fiction writer Sarah Morton, who was ALONE at the house the whole time. Later, in London, Sarah sees what his publisher's daughter really looks like, but this last scene only confirms that "Julie" was not really Julie. Clear enough? What a plot! And what a great movie!

Python Hyena Swimming Pool (2003): Dir: Francois Ozon / Cast: Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier, Charles Dance, Jean-Marie Lamour, Marc Fayolle: Spellbinding erotic mystery about beauty, lust, age, dysfunction, and what emerges from the pool whether it be fall leaves or the captivating image of young skin. It stars Charlotte Rampling as a successful mystery writer who is sent to her publisher's holiday home to rest and regain her composure for writing. Peace and quiet are interrupted by the arrival of her publisher's French daughter played by Ludivine Sagnier who is loud, obnoxious and brings home an array of males for a night of sinful passion. What is most fascinating is its reality and fantasy base that is never clear but then again, that is the point. Was a murder committed or is it just the prize of a latest bestseller? Director Francois Ozon brings viewers deep into the mind and reality and is backed by tremendous performances by Rampling and Sagnier with an underwritten role by Charles Dance as the publisher who is only present when convenient for the plot. Jean-Marie Lamour appears as a male caught within Sagnier's web of passion and regrets it severely. Marc Fayolle also makes an appearance as a character named Marcel. While some elements aren't exactly clear, it does play like a mystery novel within slick compelling filmmaking and peep show. Score: 7 ½ / 10

brchthethird SWIMMING POOL is a laid-back, sensual thriller with top-notch performances by Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier. The story is about a British crime novelist, Sarah Morton (Rampling) who, lacking in inspiration, is allowed by her publisher to vacation at his French home to begin work on a new novel. Trouble starts when his daughter shows up unexpectedly and begins to turn things upside down for the uptight novelist. Gradually, Sarah starts to come out of her shell and then things take a turn I didn't expect (which I'll leave unsaid). The best thing about this incredible film are the great performances given by Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier (as Sarah's publisher's daughter). They bring so much depth to their characters and every scene they share is a treat to watch. Also of note is the eerie, mysterious score which does an excellent job at setting the tone of the film. The film is also shot very well, with lots of beautiful location shooting on the French countryside. The only negative I could find was a scene about two thirds of the way through when Julie (Sagnier) brings home a waiter who Sarah happens to know, and they have a little dance party. It was more the choice of song than anything, although the scene was rather awkward in and of itself. Still, this only reminds me why I love French films, especially thrillers like this one. Highly recommended.

SnoopyStyle Sarah Morton (Charlotte Rampling) is a successful British crime fiction author. She's tired of everything and can't get started on her next novel. Her publisher John Bosload (Charles Dance) offers his french vacation home. It's the off-season, and she finds some peace until John's daughter Julie (Ludivine Sagnier) shows up. Julie is a sexually provocative girl challenging Sarah's reservations. Then one night Julie kills a man after having oral sex.The murder comes in very late in the movie, and the tension doesn't have enough time to rise. The first 2/3 of the movie has a good deal of sexual tension. Although Charlotte Rampling is a great actress, I wonder if the tension could be higher with a male lead. It's a slightly different feel with Rampling and Sagnier. Sagnier never overtly makes a pass at Rampling. I think the movie could have higher tension.