Watch Swimmer, The

The Swimmer is a film released in 1968, directed by Frank Perry and starring Burt Lancaster and Janet Landgard. The film is based on the short story of the same name by John Cheever, which was originally published in The New Yorker in 1964. The Swimmer tells the story of Ned Merrill (Burt Lancaster), a wealthy man who decides to swim his way home through a series of backyard swimming pools in a suburban affluent neighborhood. The film follows Ned's journey as he makes his way from one pool to the next, encountering various characters along the way, including former friends and lovers.

As Ned swims from one pool to the next, we learn more about his character and his past. We discover that he is an alcoholic who has lost most of his material possessions and whose family has fallen apart. We also learn that he is a man struggling to come to terms with his own mortality, and his swim home becomes a metaphorical journey of self-discovery.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of Ned's past, including his romantic relationships with women such as Julie Hooper (Janet Landgard) and Shirley Abbott (Janice Rule). As he swims from pool to pool, he is forced to confront the truth about his life and the decisions he has made. The film is a powerful exploration of the American dream and the disillusionment that can come with it.

Burt Lancaster gives an outstanding performance as Ned, capturing his character's sense of desperation and loneliness. Lancaster's physicality is on full display, as he swims through the various pools, showcasing his athleticism and strength. Janet Landgard also delivers a strong performance as Julie Hooper, the young woman who Ned has an emotional connection with.

The Swimmer is a visually stunning film, with beautiful cinematography by David L. Quaid. The film's use of water and swimming pools creates a dreamlike quality that adds to the film's sense of unease. The score by Marvin Hamlisch is also excellent, with haunting music that perfectly matches the film's tone.

Overall, The Swimmer is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of mortality, the American dream, and the human condition. Burt Lancaster delivers an outstanding performance as Ned, and the film's beautiful cinematography and haunting score make it a visually stunning experience. The film is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone interested in exploring complex themes through film.