The Drowning Pool

The Drowning Pool

Year: 1975

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Stuart Rosenberg

ActionMysteryThrillerCrime

In the tense thriller, "The Drowning Pool", a careless mistake plunges a young couple into a desperate game of deception and survival. After killing their nosy neighbor by accident, they frantically try to conceal the truth, but as the truth begins to surface, they realize that silence can be deadly.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Drowning Pool (1975)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Drowning Pool (1975). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in a modern setting, characterized by contemporary challenges involving blackmail and corruption. This time period reflects a society where secrets can lead to severe consequences, making the narrative particularly resonant with themes of betrayal and determination.

Location

Los Angeles, Louisiana

The movie takes place primarily in the contrasting backdrops of sun-soaked Los Angeles and the enchanting landscapes of Louisiana. Los Angeles is known for its bustling urban life and entertainment industry, while Louisiana offers lush scenery and a rich cultural history, both of which contribute to the movie's atmosphere of intrigue and mystery.

🌆 Urban 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Main Characters – The Drowning Pool (1975)
Meet the key characters of The Drowning Pool (1975), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lew Harper (Paul Newman)

Lew Harper is a tenacious private investigator with a strong moral compass, navigating a treacherous world of lies and deception. His past connections complicate his current case, revealing his vulnerabilities as he risks everything to seek justice. Despite the danger, he remains steadfast, embodying resilience and determination.

🕵️ Investigator 💪 Resilient

Iris Devereaux

Iris is a complex character entangled in her family's dark secrets, drawing Harper into a convoluted web of intrigue. Her desperate plea for help suggests a deep-rooted vulnerability, revealing her desire to protect her family's legacy. Ultimately, her character adds emotional depth to the narrative, illustrating the toll of hidden truths.

👩‍💼 Vulnerable 🔒 Secretive

Schuyler Devereaux (Melanie Griffith)

Schuyler is a captivating figure caught between family loyalty and her own desires. Her initial charm masks deeper layers of complexity, as she grapples with the realization of her true feelings towards her mother and grandmother. Her unraveling adds to the film's emotional weight, showcasing the intertwining of love and betrayal.

🌸 Charismatic 🌪️ Conflicted

J. Hugh Kilbourne

Kilbourne is the epitome of greed and manipulation, using his wealth and influence to maneuver others as pawns in his high-stakes game. His calm demeanor hides a ruthless ambition, making him a formidable antagonist. The confrontation with Harper exposes the lengths to which he will go to protect his interests.

💰 Greedy 🚨 Manipulative

Chief Broussard

Chief Broussard is a tragic figure who embodies the consequences of hidden relationships and family secrets. His connection to Schuyler complicates his role as a law enforcer, leading to emotional turmoil. Throughout the film, he grapples with guilt and sorrow, especially following Iris's demise.

👮‍♂️ Duty-bound 😢 Troubled

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Major Themes – The Drowning Pool (1975)
Explore the central themes of The Drowning Pool (1975), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Mystery

The film is heavily centered on the theme of mystery, as private investigator Lew Harper unravels complex layers of deceit and betrayal. His journey highlights how hidden truths can disrupt relationships and change lives irrevocably. Each interaction deepens the enigma, ultimately leading to a shocking revelations that define the characters' fates.

🏚️ Corruption

Corruption permeates the plot through the actions of powerful individuals, particularly the oil tycoon J. Hugh Kilbourne. The struggle against corrupt forces illustrates the influence of wealth and power in manipulating events to personal advantage. The characters are often seen battling not only their personal demons but also the pervasive corruption that taints their lives.

💔 Family

The theme of family plays a significant role, underscored by the familial ties that bind and ultimately tear apart the characters. The complexities of parent-child relationships emerge, notably with Chief Broussard and Schuyler Devereaux. These connections highlight the personal stakes involved, as love and responsibility clash against a backdrop of tragedy and disappointment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

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