Sunday, October 19, 2008
A+E, Movies, Reviews

‘The Pool’ proves worth a dip

Chris Smith takes his camera in a delightfully subtle new direction

Better known for his small documentaries about quirky people (“American Movie,” “Home Movie”), filmmaker Chris Smith takes his camera in a delightfully subtle new direction with a dip in “The Pool.”

Smith still seems focused on the little guy, this time telling the story of Venkatesh (Venkatesh Chavan), a teenage hotel employee in a town in India who wants something more out of life. He thinks he may have found it when he and his 11-year-old friend Jhangir (Jhangir Badshah) happen upon a pool at the home of a taciturn middle-aged man (Nana Patekar) and his brooding but pretty daughter (Ayesha Mohan).

Soon, Venkatesh has insinuated himself into their lives. His obsession with the pool mixes with his infatuation with the daughter, and at times it’s unclear which he wants more. But what is clear is that Venkatesh sees hope and possibility, if not necessarily a clear path toward his better life. The father, haunted by the tragic loss of his young son, seems willing to help.

What makes all of this work is how, with near miraculous precision, Smith keeps the narrative deceptively simple and unadorned, save for his lush color palette in filming the streets and surrounding countryside of Panjim. Except for Patekar, one of India’s veteran actors, the principals are newcomers, and the result is something entirely fresh. Badshah, as the younger friend, is particularly engaging, serving as the angel on Venkatesh’s shoulder.

During one exchange, the father tells Venkatesh a parable about the difference between getting a gift and giving one, and it becomes clear which feels more special. In making “The Pool,” Smith has returned the favor. 3 STARS—David Lee Simmons