The Deep End [DVD] [2001]

The Deep End is directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, both of whom also adapting the screenplay from the novel The Blank Wall written by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding. It stars Tilda Swinton, Goran Visnjic, Jonathan Tucker, Raymond Barry and Josh Lucas. Music is by Peter Nashel and cinematography by Giles Nuttgens.An updated take on Holding's source novel (it had been adapted by Max Ophüls as The Reckless Moment in 1949), The Deep End explores how one reckless decision in life can let the equilibrium of normalcy be invaded by dark forces and deep seated desires. Here we have the magnificent Swinton as Margaret Hall, a mother of three who finds her life spiralling out of control when she tries to keep her eldest son from being found culpable in a murder investigation. With the husband and father constantly away from their beautiful Lake Tahoe home, due to his being in the Armed Forces, Margaret is practically alone and afraid but still fiercely protective, but when blackmail walks in to her world in the shape of handsome Alek 'Al' Spera (Visnjic), there's can open, worms everywhere.What unfolds is a tale full of classic noir staples, yet it's no cliché addled picture. McGehee and Siegel paint a pristine portrait of middle class life, but once tainted by noir it's very unlikely the protagonist will get back to that pristine world. The relationship between Margaret and Al becomes fascinating, their respective impact on each other is the beating heart of The Deep End. It all builds to a finale that has caused some division amongst the people who have seen it, but it strikes the right chords and dangles the right questions in context to the human characteristics that have been played out. Personally I would suggest further viewings are required to really get the most from this piece.Beautifully photographed and scored, there is very little wrong here. Raymond Barry's "head" villain is a little weak, and some of the dialogue is a bit clunky, but really these are small irritants. The Deep End uses no tricks or over theatrics to grab our attention, it asks us to invest and pay attention in the principal players, because then, as the suspense and human psychological smarts come into play, is where the rewards are to be found. 8/10

This film tackles a subject many parents dread facing - having a gay child. Gripping from start to finish. Top-notch acting and a brave effort that could have failed miserably. Sensitively handled and no sleazy scenes. There is just a very brief scene that tells the viewer why the mother determines to protect her son at all costs, and that scene leaves nothing to the imagination - but it is brief and intentionally blurry.

I am surprised that nobody so far has commented on the fact that "The Deep End" is a re-make of the 1949 film "The Reckless Moment" which starred James Mason and Joan Bennett. If you can catch the older film (it has been shown recently on British television), you will be rewarded by a more straight-forward telling of the tale - needless to say, no homosexual affair between the son and an "older man", rather the older daughter being mixed up with someone who looks old enough to be her father. The rest of the plot is about the same, accidental death, dumping the body in a lake, husband absent, the woman's father lives with them, being blackmailed, and so on.As a James Mason fan, I like the older film, dodgy back projections and all, although Mason's smooth Irish accent doesn't convince. "The Deep End" is watchable enough, the homosexual twist is silly and un-necessary, Tilda Swinton looks suitably unhappy all the way through. It is nicely filmed, and best of all - you can pick the DVD up very cheap. On that basis alone, I recommend "The Deep End" - you can buy a copy dirt cheap, after having watched it, if you don't want it in your DVD library, you won't mind giving it away.

This is a pretty good thriller. I really liked the main protagonist's performance. The plot has some good twists and turning points. How far will a mother go to protect her son is the main question here. A good concept and a good performance from all round. Enjoyed it.

Excellent service and a very good movie

It's not a bad thriller. Tilda Swinton is believable as the harassed mother trying desperately to protect her son whose secret gay lover is one of the bad guys. Without going into much detail plot-wise, the film moves along at a decent pace and generally keeps you guessing and holds your attention. The other performances are decent without being spectacular. The directors capture the atmosphere of middle class america very well and makes use of the wonderful scenery. All in all, a good hour and half's entertainment.

Didnt think it was much of a thriller, no much tension throughout. for starters the viewer knows all along how things turned out on the night of accident, so there's little guessing there. the overall impression for me is that it was a bit lame, in terms of dialogue at times and plot. the photography is very nice, some nicely shot scenes. Despite the fact that a lot of people rave about Swinton, I didnt think she particularly shone, I believe she owes a lot of her charisma to her androgynous looks. I appreciated the graphic nature of the sex scene, if anything it can help to break taboos.

Strong acting and pretty good plot.