The Pool

The Pool is an Independent Sundance selection feature from 2007, directed by Chris Smith. It's a cross-cultural piece of cinema more than an independent Hollywood movie, as it was shot entirely in the exotic landscape of Goa, India. This film stands out in its unique blend of Indian and Western cinematic styles, highlighting the universal themes of aspiration, survival, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

The film stars acclaimed Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, alongside local Goa-based actors Venkatesh Chavan and Jhangir Badshah, forming a stunning ensemble of leads with a compelling palette of performances.

Reflecting the spirit of its title, The Pool offers a narrative that never loses sight of the omnipresence of ‘the pool’. The titular pool is a symbol of opulence nestled in the backyard of a luxurious villa, and it serves as a visual metaphor for unfulfilled dreams, inaccessible privilege, and aspirations that seem forever out of reach.

The protagonist Venkatesh, compellingly played by Venkatesh Chavan, is not a trained actor but a local, whose real-life experiences significantly compliment his reel-life portrayal. He is a young hotel 'room boy' from the countryside who works in the bustling city of Goa. While working in the city, he becomes obsessed with a magnificent swimming pool located in a posh villa. The villa's owner is a wealthy, eccentric widower, endearingly played by seasoned Indian actor Nana Patekar.

Venkatesh's obsession with the pool soon expands to include the people living in the villa, which itself becomes a symbol of luxury and social class division. He nurtures a secret desire to swim in that pool and experience a life of affluence, albeit temporarily. The pool reflects his dreams and desperation to escape his impoverished circumstances.

The film also explores Venkatesh’s relationship with Jhangir, a young boy who sells plastic bags on the streets and shares a brotherly bond with Venkatesh. Together, they hustle and scrape for their livelihood while dreaming of a better life. Jhangir adds an extra layer of poignancy to the narrative and reinforces the themes of friendship, poverty, and survival.

Here, Chris Smith shines for his sensitive storytelling and ability to capture the nuances of life in India and translate them into a universally relatable framework. Despite being a foreign director, Smith clearly exhibits a deep understanding of Indian social dynamics, which he explores through the rich experiences and struggles of his characters.

The narrative moves subtly, mirroring the real rhythms of life - quiet, slow, sometimes frustrating, but never devoid of hope. Even amidst everyday struggle, the characters find moments of joy, learning, and growth. The film offers glimpses into the vast socio-economic disparities that mark Indian society yet cleverly uses its story to transcend these boundaries, offering a slice of India that is honest, thought-provoking, and moving.

Nana Patekar turns in a sturdy performance, providing a remarkable contrast to untrained talents. His character is gruff but kind-hearted, silently carrying the weight of his past. Their unlikely friendship forms the emotional core of the film, beautifully highlighting the common inner struggles that people from disparate social backgrounds share.

Cinematography is another key attribute of the film. The vibrant, dynamic, and bustling streets of Goa get as much representation as the tranquil, serene pool, creating a dichotomy between the two spaces.

In summary, The Pool is a heart-rending tale about dreams and aspirations, shot through with compelling performances that give a realistic portrayal of disparity, hope, and the human spirit. It is a poignant exploration of the socio-economic divide and complexities of human relationships. The film subtly unfolds the layers of its characters' desires and disappointments while balancing the harsh realities of life with enduring optimism. It's a reflection of life, told in the backdrop of vibrant India, making it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts who love real, raw, and rooted narratives.