“The Swimmer” (1968) – a feast of tragic narratives. The film tells the story of a day in the life of Ned Merrill following his quest to “swim” home from pool to pool in his affluent neighborhood. Adapted from a 1964 short story by John Cheever, it covers just that one day. But, in actuality, it spans much more.
Thapson
It’s a pleasant summer day when Ned Merrill appearans at the pool of one of his neighbors. Dressed in swimming trunks, he appears fit for a middle-aged man. So it’s no surprise he’s enthusiastic for a swim. During the conversation around the pool, he realizes all the pools in the neighborhood could be connected with an imaginary waterway enabling him to swim all the way back home. And this is what he decides to do.
Synopsis
It appears Ned’s been away a while and his friends missed him. Popular among them, he comes off as quite a maverick. Despite his unconventional thinking, Ned’s humored by them.
And so, he kicks off his journey back home using a path connecting the pools. And this journey forms the backdrop of the movie “The Swimmer.” We follow his interactions with the people of the neighborhood he drops in on during his quest. Through these interactions, Ned Merrill’s mysterious life story is revealed in bits and pieces.
The story takes some ominous turns leaving us with more questions regarding Ned. And by the time he reaches home injured, tired, dishevelled, devastated, in a rainstorm, everything becomes clear. Or does it?
Main or Notable Cast
Burt Lancaster as Ned Merrill
Despite his athleticism, Burt Lancaster was not a good swimmer and actually feared water. He took up special lessons for the role. I wonder if this was the reason his dives in the movie are shallow, or purposely done for the role.
Janet Landgard as Julie Hooper
Janet Landgard is one of those actors I find intriguing due to her minimal three starring roles on the big screen, then disappearing from the limelight. Her role in The Swimmer is the first pivotal one – a part she’s likely most remembered for.
Janice Rule as Shirley Abbott
As Shirley Abbott, the late Janice Rule also plays another important character in the movie revealing another aspect of Ned’s life.
Kim Hunter as Betty Graham
Kim, a respected actress, was likely already lined up for her role in the original “Planet of the Apes” at this time. Her appearance in The Swimmer is considered a cameo.
Diana Muldaur as Cynthia
Famous for her fame on “Star Trek,” this is Diana Muldaur’s debut on the big screen. She went on to a successful career on television.
Joan Rivers as ….. Joan!
This is among her first appearances as an actress. The late, destined to be multi-talented, actress’s short scene apparently took seven days to shoot! No reason is given as to why.
And a host of others, including a John Cheevers cameo, playing minor, albeit interesting, roles.
My Take
Seemingly straightforward, “The Swimmer” is much more complex. As it progressively takes you deeper and deeper into a mystery you are left to solve on your own. It seems to enter a “Twilight Zone” of sorts as you try to contemplate the nightmare unfolding before you.
At the end, you will be tempted to re-watch it. You can’t help contemplating the movie’s multiple narratives. These narratives hold a mirror to yourself and society at large. Especially how weak the foundation is on which we build our ambitions, and chase down the lifestyle we crave – revealing the dark underbelly of the “American Dream.”
The directors have done a commendable job transposing a short story into full length movie along with its complexities.
Trivia
John Cheevers has a cameo role in the movie. He is the one in white from 0:05 – 0:10 in the clip below
BlocdelSrBoix / YouTube
It is reportedly Burt Lancaster’s favorite film role. That is telling as Burt’s career is loaded with wide range of interesting performances.
The original director, Frank Perry left due to a creative dispute, and the movie was completed by Sydney Pollack – who is apparently uncredited.
Burt Lancaster agreed to do the movie after William Holden, Glenn Ford, Paul Newman, and George C., Scott had turned it down.
Throughout the movie, Burt Lancaster only wears blue swimming trunks. As per The New York Times, there were 17 identical pairs used for the part.
Nine residential, and one public pool was used for the movie.
The movie was shot in Connecticut which it portrays.
peoplemover / YouTube
The Last Word
The Swimmer failed commercially on its release. There could be various reasons for this. Most likely it was ahead of its time and came when Hollywood was transitioning into the new style of narrative as old movie executives were retiring. Hence, it’s “modern” feel for a movie of this vintage.
Also, the current Pandemic, has forced a re-think of priorities for many, likely leading to the renewed interest in “The Swimmer.”
The stars were lined up just right when the short story it’s based on, was not released as a full-length novel, as it was originally intended. Or we would have missed appreciating how well it was transferred to a full-length movie maintaining just the right impact. Kudos also go to Burt Lancaster for his portrayal resulting in a wonderfully introspective, poignant production that stays in your mind.
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