Customer Reviews

The Drowning Pool

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recall seeing a few scenes of The Drowning Pool many years ago on network television, and after a happy reunion with Newman's classic "Harper," decided to buy The Drowning Pool, after reading some good comments about it on Amazon.com.

Set in pre-Katrina New Orleans, Drowning Pool is a rich stew of intrigue, great cast performances and classic MacDonald twists and turns within a dangerously dysfunctional family. Paul Newman completely inhabits Lew Harper's character, the settings are alternately grand and deliciously seedy, and the cinematography is excellent.

Sure, the cars are big and old (one of the subtle joys of The Drowning Pool is watching the constant parade of 70's era gas guzzlers) but the drama, wit, and characterization make this film feel fresh.

My DVD copy looked great, sounded good (I do miss Harper's classic Johnny Mandel score but the instrumental version of "Killing Me Softly" provided some moody satisfaction), and included both a trailer and a short "making of" documentary. I'm definitely going to watch this one again.

This is a 1975 movie that Paul Newman reprised his role as Private Detective Lew Harper. He is hired by a former flame in New Orleans to investigate who is harassing her. There exists a substantial web of deceit and you don't know the "real" criminal until the end. I like this movie alot because of the storyline, excellent cast, location, and the lack of real nasty violence that exists in today's movies. This is a very original film you won't find much on cable.

"The Drowning Pool" the re-creation of the novel by RossMacDonald, who wrote the classic mystery tale of all time, "The List Adrian Messenger" gets its due reward on the silver screen fromm performances by Paul Newman and his wife,Joanne Woodward.

A very youngMelany Griffith place the enfant terrible' in this film, not bad for a kid breaking into the movie game. But the chief action focuses on Newman and he does not disappoint. Cool, vulnerable, tough, resourceful, caring and himself as Harper, a role he dons and plays, in my opinion, as well as anybody living or dead could have done it.

Harper returns and he's transported to New Orleans with his 60s cool traded in for 70s cynicism. There's great location shooting throughout. It's interesting, but it's doesn't have the resonance of Night Moves or The Long Goodbye. This seems like a warm up for The Color of Money where Paul would go deeper with the same idea. (Is he the only star to revisit a role decades apart where it wasn't just a stunt?) There are also shades of Long Hot Summer with Joanne and Tony Franciosa breaking out their Southern drawls, and when Harper finds a suicide near the end it echoes The Hustler.

I liked Newman so don't expect my review to be unbiased. The plot is based around Harper being a few years older but basically the same style PI you came to like in Harper. He is smart and has a drive to finish a case; even if he ends up in trouble. You get a mix of Joanne Woodward, Melanie Griffin (as a teen), Tony Franciosa (doing a very good job acting)and a stellar supporting caste. There are allot of twists and turns, allot of dialog, one shoot out - it's Newman as Harper not Jason Bourne!

I recommend that you whop up in bed with some popcorn, coca cola and both Newman Harper movies!

This movie is not very known but is outstanding. I highly recommend it. Get it while the price is right.

Harper is back and he finds himself right in the middle of another murder mystery. OK,so this 1976 sequel is not quite as good as the original but Harper still grabs your interest to the closing credits. Paul Newman is Harper who is a little older and a little wiser. His real wife,Joanne Woodard,is in the film and you can see real attraction in the scenes they do together. Rounding out the cast are Anthony Franciosa,Richard Jaeckel,Gail Strickland,Linda Haynes,and a very young Melanie Griffith. Harper is on the case so make it a movie night and watch THE DROWNING POOL for the water,the girls,the guns,and so much more!

Excellent movie, a classic and will always be in rememberance of Paul Newman who is one helluva actor.

Probably not his best work, but still very watchable and enjoyable especially as he was opposite his wife Joanne Woodward. Movie is very representative of New Orleans in late 60's / early 70's. Newman's character 'Harper' continues.