The Drowning Pool (1976) [Blu-ray]

Ok movie.

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.

I made my wife commit to watching some old school movies with me. Loved this one. You cant go wrong with Newman. It was fun to look at the old technology and recall what it was like for us oldheads. Good story. Good acting. Enjoyed it.

Lots of action and suspense.

When this was first released at the cinema, many (including this writer) felt "The Drowning Pool" was inferior to the initial Lew Archer film: titled alternatively as "Harper" (see separate review) or "The Moving Target". The passage of time has, however, been kinder to "The Drowning Pool" than it has been to "Harper". Both films show their age, and are quite dated. but in the 10 years since the release of Harper in 1966, Newman had toned down his acting affectations a little, and it is much to the good. He is still insouciant and affected, but it works better in this film. The cast is also better this time round. Joanne Woodward works well with husband Newman, and Murray Hamilton turns in one of his excellent trade-mark sleazy bad guy performances. Tony Franciosa was never a particularly likeable performer on screen, but he is quite good in this, while Richard Jaeckel reproduces the type of performance he gave so many times in other productions for both cinema and TV. The plot is suitably, but not overly, complicated, and the setting in New Orleans provides for some good visuals. Not a classic detective/private eye thriller by any means, but eminently watchable, and should provide enjoyment to fans of the genre.

Great and interesting character portrayed by Newman. Smart, sarcastic and vulnerable. Good story too.

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!

Something to think about the next time you go swimming.

Not as well paced as "Harper", but good to see Newman and Woodward together. Also a very young Melanie Griffith.

Paul Newman is great as the down at heel P.I. Harper. I found the picture really good on a 65" TV. Sound quality was OK if only 2 channel mono. Nevertheless the whole experience felt very cinematic for home cinema.Try to catch his previous film on the same character "HARPER" AKA The Moving Target first .MH

そもそも、原作者ロス・マクドナルドの作品はどれもこれも閉じられた人間関係ばかりが描かれ、ハードボイルドファンの一人としては示される世界が矮小に過ぎ・・・とケチをつけたくなるのだが、本作も例外ではない。ラストで明かされる人間関係の暴露など、オイオイまたかよア～アとウンザリする。加えて、実生活では夫婦のポール・ニューマンとジョアン・ウッドワードがドラマの上では行きずりの熱い過去があり、二人の再会その他のシーンになると　ｋｉｌｌｉｎｇ　ｍｅ　ｓｏｆｔｌｙ　ｗｉｔｈ・・・が流れるという演出・・・コレも白けるなぁ、ハードボイルドに徹してくれヨォ！とヤジりたくなる。それでも本作が面白いのは、何といってもクライマックスの満水のプールである。この場面をとにかく飽きず繰り返し観る。かつて中古ＶＨＳを買って観ていたが、プレイヤーも壊れ、国内版ＤＶＤを買おうとしたがあまりに高値！他の海外版なども観るついでがあって買ったリージョンフリープレイヤーでなら観れる本作を買った。

enjoyed

For not famous movie, is a great edition. I like premium, and I'll wait other movies in this series.