Swimming Pool

Charlotte Rampling is fantastic as Sarah Morton, a disillusioned crime novelist who spends some time at her publisher’s (Charles Dance) home in France in an effort to clear her mind and get some writing done. Things get complicated when the publisher’s daughter (Ludivine Sagnier) arrives unexpectedly, bringing her promiscuous and often noisy lifestyle in tow. Writer-director Francois Ozon (last year’s engaging 8 Women) delivers a fine mystery and intense psychological study. Things seem pretty clear cut until the movie’s much advertised "big secret" is revealed. Rampling’s portrayal of Morton, a highly imaginative writer jilted by a notable past lover, is first-rate, and worthy of Oscar contention. Sagnier’s wicked portrayal of Judy is a far cry from the young pixie-esque daughter she portrayed in 8 Women. (She will also be Tinkerbelle in the upcoming Peter Pan.) A good mystery featuring some decent twists.