The Pool (2007 film)

Last updated

The Pool
THEPOOLPOSTER VENKATESH LR.jpg
The Pool poster
Directed by Chris Smith
Written byChris Smith
Randy Russell
Produced byKate Noble
StarringVenkatesh Chavan
Jhangir Badshah
Ayesha Mohan
Nana Patekar
CinematographyChris Smith
Edited by Barry Poltermann
Music byDidier Leplae
Joe Wong
Distributed byVitagraph Films
Release date
  • January 18, 2007 (2007-01-18)
Running time
95 minutes
CountryUnited States
Languages Hindi
English (subtitles)

The Pool is a 2007 American drama film co-written and directed by Chris Smith. The film stars non-professional actors Venkatesh Chavan and Jhangir Badshah, as well as Bollywood veteran Nana Patekar and newcomer Ayesha Mohan.

Contents

Though filmed in Hindi, a language Smith didn't know, the film earned good reviews. Besides winning a Special Jury prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, [1] the film won accolades from Geoffrey Gilmore, director of the Sundance Film Festival. In the same year, it was screened at the Vienna International Film Festival and International Film Festival of India.

The DVD was released on 13 July 2010.

Plot

The story revolves around a young janitor working at a hotel in the port city of Panjim, India, who sees from his perch in a mango tree a luxuriant garden and shimmering pool hidden behind a wall. In making whatever efforts he can to better himself, Venkatesh offers his services to the wealthy owner of the home. Not content to simply dream about a different life, Venkatesh is inquisitive about the home's inhabitants and his curiosity changes the shape of his future.

Production

After American Job (1996), American Movie (1999), Home Movie (2001) and The Yes Men (2003), Milwaukee-based director Chris Smith read a story, written by Randy Russel, about a person from a graduate school in Iowa. This person, who is out running, sees a swimming pool and gets obsessed with swimming in it. He follows around the people who own the place and tries to befriend them. However, Smith clarified that the film's story evolved from it in a "completely different way from there". [2] He said that though they had a draft in hand while beginning the shooting, his goal was to let the environment (the actors, their experiences and observations) shape the story. [3]

The film is a collaborative result of a crew that was half-based in India and United States. The crew included producer Kate Noble, creative consultant Xavier Leplae, whose film I'm Bobby was shot in the Indian state of Goa. [2] Xavier's brother, Didier Leplae, who composed the score with Joe Wong in Milwaukee, had it arranged by a Bollywood composer, and recorded by a small orchestra in Mumbai. The film also credits independent film representative and producer John Sloss, who has handled all of his films, as being his "conduit to the rest of the world," [2] and said that it was Sloss' work on his behalf that "has allowed me to stay in Milwaukee." [2] Barry Poltermann, who edited The Pool and American Movie, continued his association with Smith with this film. [2]

Though the story was originally set in Iowa, Smith chose the port city of Panjim, Goa due to his long-time fascination with the city, especially the contrast between the rich and the poor. [4] For the 65-day shoot, Smith and his crew moved to India for a five-month period. [5] While referring to this cinematic endeavour as an experiment, he felt that the journey to India was crucial in clearing up his creative space to work. [5]

Smith once thought of aborting the project because they were unsuccessful in locating a bungalow with a pool. [4] Eventually, they managed to lease one from a New Zealand-born India-based person. [5]

Casting

Saying that this film was the hardest he ever worked on in his life, Smith added that casting for the film was quite a challenge. The crew lost three lead actors due to various reasons. While one of them went to Mumbai on the pretext of buying karate uniforms and never returned, [5] a young girl could not obtain permission for leave from school. The actor originally chosen for the father's role left them for a television series. These unfortunate incidents happened three days prior to commencement of the shoot. [3]

After a casting director, who had previously worked with Ayesha Mohan, sent them her details, she was chosen to play the main actress. [2] Speaking about how they identified Nana Patekar, a veteran Bollywood actor, Smith said:

When you're trying to cast, you will look anywhere and everywhere. At dinner, we would look at the waiters. And one day, this newspaper came (to their hotel room) with a story on Nana (Patekar). And it said that he takes his time between movies and likes to do interesting projects. And Kate thought he looked perfect. We liked his eyes and the way he handled himself in the interview. And he seemed a kindred spirit to what we were trying to do. [5]

Smith was convinced that if Patekar agreed to play the role, the film would get a boost. Actress Mohan helped him approach Anurag Kashyap, who directed her in the Bollywood film Black Friday (2004). [3] Initially, Patekar was not interested to do the film. But Kashyap urged him to take a look at 45 minutes of the film's footage. Upon watching it, Patekar remained quiet for some time and then he said, "this reminds me of what we used to do before we got corrupted." [5] According to Smith, Patekar not just played his character, but also helped out in various scenes while filming. [5]

20-year-old Venkatesh Chavan, who played the role of the young boy fascinated by the pool, originally hailed from Mundargi town in Gadag district of Karnataka. Chavan's parents left for Goa in search of work. While Smith was in the process of casting, Venkatesh was helping his parents to sell scrap. In January 2006, when he was roaming on the streets of Vasco da Gama, Smith met him, introduced himself and asked him to act in his film. Venkatesh took his parents' permission and agreed. His mother and sister were asked to play the role of his mother and sister in the film as well. He received INR 60,000 as compensation for acting in the film. While filming, Chavan thought it was a documentary. [6] Jhangir, who was selected to play the 11-year-old character, worked as an employee in a bar/restaurant. [7]

Filmmaking

"We would cut scenes together – then either adapt other scenes or shoot new scenes to compliment [ sic ] what we already had. The great thing was I could think of a scene at night and we could shoot it the next morning – give the tape to the editor at lunch and see it in the cut the next night."

—Chris Smith, director [3]

Neither of the young leads could read, so they couldn't really prepare their scenes in advance. They had to rehearse on the spot and once they got it right, the scene was shot. Another complication was their language. Since neither of them spoke English, it was difficult for Smith to directly convey detailed direction. Hence, with a translator in place, it could easily get translated in the wrong way. Another challenge was that the film was being shot in Hindi, which was not the first language of either of them. [3] In addition, Smith had absolutely no knowledge of Hindi. Effectively, they were being directed in a language they did not understand and having to shoot complex dialogue scenes in a language alien to them. [3]

Poltermann was editing while the filming was in progress. Smith thought that this process had a huge impact on the finished film. [3]

Critical reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, they gave the film the "Certified Fresh" award with an aggregate score of 94% based on 45 positive and 3 negative critic reviews. The website consensus reads: "Beautifully crafted with loosely drawn characters and a lilting, natural pace, Chris Smith's The Pool features a universal message to which everyone can relate." [8] The film appeared on several critics' top ten lists of the best films of 2008. Marjorie Baumgarten of The Austin Chronicle named it the 4th best film of 2008, [9] Sheri Linden of The Hollywood Reporter named it the 4th best film of 2008, [9] and Tasha Robinson of The A.V. Club named it the 10th best film of 2008. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nana Patekar</span> Indian film actor

Vishwanath Patekar, better known as Nana Patekar, is an Indian actor, screenwriter, film maker, and a former Indian Territorial Army officer, mainly working in Hindi and Marathi cinema. He is regarded as one of finest actors in Indian Cinema.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tanushree Dutta</span> Miss India Universe and Actress

Tanushree Dutta is an Indian actress and model. Dutta was the recipient of the Femina Miss India Universe title in 2004 at age 20. During the same year at the Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Ecuador, she represented India amongst 133 other countries, where she was among the top ten finalists.

<i>Khamoshi: The Musical</i> 1996 Hindi film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Khamoshi: The Musical is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film. The film was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali in his directorial debut. The film stars Nana Patekar, Salman Khan, Manisha Koirala and Seema Biswas. The film is a departure from signature style of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus blockbusters and relies heavily on intimate moments which has been described as autobiographical. A box office bomb when released, the film has over the years gained cult following and cited as one of the best musicals of Hindi cinema.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jabbar Patel</span>

Dr. Jabbar Patel is a Marathi-language theatre and film director of India. His production of the play Vijay Tendulkar's play Ghashiram Kotwal, in 1973 is considered a classic in Modern Indian Theatre.

<i>Welcome</i> (2007 film) 2007 film directed by Anees Bazmee

Welcome is an Indian 2007 Hindi-language comedy film directed and co-written by Anees Bazmee with production by Firoz Nadiadwala. The music was composed by Anand Raj Anand and Himesh Reshammiya, with songs and score by Sajid–Wajid. Welcome stars Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Mallika Sherawat and Paresh Rawal in prominent roles. Sunil Shetty makes a special appearance, while Malaika Arora was cast in an item number. The film marked the last screen appearance of Khan who died in 2009. The core storyline is loosely based on the 1999 comedy Mickey Blue Eyes.

Shiney Ahuja Indian film actor and model

Shiney Ahuja is an Indian actor in Bollywood films. He won the Filmfare Best Male Debut Award for Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi in 2006 and then followed with several hit films like Gangster, Woh Lamhe, Life in a Metro, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Welcome Back.

<i>Final Cut of Director</i> 2016 Hindi film by Bharathiraja

Final Cut of Director is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film that was written and directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Nana Patekar and Arjun Sarja, with Rukmini Vijayakumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Niyamat Khan, Vatsal Sheth, and Mushtaq Khan in supporting roles. Himesh Reshammiya composed the music and cinematography was done by B. Kannan. The film was released on 21 October 2016.

Sunil Pal Indian actor and comedian (b. 1975)

Sunil Pal is an Indian comedian, actor and voice actor. He was the winner of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge on STAR One. He has acted in various Bollywood films doing minor comic roles.

<i>Krantiveer</i> 1994 Hindi film by Mehul Kumar

Krantiveer is a 1994 Indian Hindi-language action crime film directed by Mehul Kumar. The film stars Nana Patekar, Dimple Kapadia, Atul Agnihotri, Mamta Kulkarni, Danny Denzongpa and Paresh Rawal. It became the third highest-grossing film of the year, additionally winning three Star Screen Awards, four Filmfare Awards and one National Film Award.

<i>Ab Tak Chhappan</i> 2004 film by Shimit Amin

Ab Tak Chhappan is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language action film directed by Shimit Amin, written by Sandeep Shrivastava, produced by Ram Gopal Varma, and starring Nana Patekar in the lead role. It also stars Revathi, Yashpal Sharma, Mohan Agashe, Nakul Vaid, and Hrishitaa Bhatt in supporting roles. The story revolves around Inspector Sadhu Agashe from the Mumbai Encounter Squad famous for having killed 56 people in police encounters. A film without any songs, it is inspired by the life of Police sub-Inspector with Mumbai Police force Daya Nayak. The film was premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival. Times Internet released a first-person shooter game titled Fatal Encounter as a tie-in to the film.

Umaji Naik was an Indian revolutionary who challenged the British rule in India around 1826 to 1832 .He fought against East India company and company rule.

<i>The Attacks of 26/11</i> 2013 Indian film

The Attacks of 26/11 is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Ram Gopal Varma, based on the book Kasab: The Face of 26/11 by Rommel Rodrigues about Ajmal Kasab perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The film stars Sanjeev Jaiswal in his film debut, playing the role of terrorist Ajmal Kasab, with art direction by Uday Singh. It also features Nana Patekar in a pivotal role. A seven-minute promo of the film was released over the Internet on 23 November 2012.

Sanjeev Jaiswal Indian film actor (born 1988)

Sanjeev Jaiswal is an Indian actor. Jaiswal has acted in two Hindi films, a drama and an action thriller. His first movie was Shaitan in which he played a small role of a police informer, while his second movie was The Attacks of 26/11, a film based on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, in which he played lead role of Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, with Nana Patekar and Sadh Orhan.

<i>Ghulam-E-Mustafa</i> 1997 film by Partho Ghosh

Ghulam-E-Mustafa is a 1997 Hindi-language crime drama film directed by Partho Ghosh, Starring Nana Patekar and Raveena Tandon, it was produced by P.G. Shrikanth and Dinesh Gandhi under the S.G.S. Cinearts International and Eros International banners. Set in early 1996, Ghulam-e-Mustafa is an action, crime and sad-love story centering on the turbulent and tragic relationship between Gangster Mustafa and Dancer Kavita, a relationship which come to an end with the death of Kavita due to his field. The film was a remake of the Tamil film Musthaffaa (1996). This film was also remade in Bangladesh as Abbajan (Father).

Aziz Naser

Aziz Naser is an Indian actor, writer, voice artist and a director who works in Deccani and Telugu films. He worked in Hyderabadi films such as The Angrez and Hyderabad Nawabs. As a dubbing artist, he lent his voice for Sonu Sood, Nana Patekar, Kelly Dorjee, Aditya Pancholi, Rahul Dev and other Hindi film actors who featured in Telugu films.

<i>Dr. Prakash Baba Amte – The Real Hero</i> 2014 Indian film

Dr. Prakash Baba Amte – The Real Hero is a Marathi film starring Nana Patekar, Sonali Kulkarni and Mohan Agashe in lead roles. It is a biopic on the lives of Dr Prakash Baba Amte, the son of the great social worker Baba Amte, and his wife Mandakini Amte. Dr. Prakash Amte is a dedicated doctor and social worker who devotes his life to the development and upliftment of the tribal people in the forests of eastern Maharashtra state.

<i>Natsamrat</i> 2016 Indian film

Natsamrāt is a 2016 Indian Marathi-language drama film starring Nana Patekar in the leading role. Based on a play by the same written by playwright Kusumagraj, the film depicts the tragic family life of a stage actor who has retired from acting but is unable to forget his fond memories of theatre and the stage.

Tadka is an unreleased Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy-drama film directed by actor Prakash Raj, starring Nana Patekar, Ali Fazal, Shriya Saran and Tapsee Pannu. The story of the film is based in Goa and filming began in May 2016. The film is a remake of the 2011 Malayalam blockbuster Salt N' Pepper.

<i>Wedding Anniversary</i> 2017 Indian film

Wedding Anniversary is an Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film, directed by Shekhar S Jha, produced by Kumar V Mahant and Achut Naik, and presented by Bharat Shah. The film stars Nana Patekar and Mahie Gill in leading roles and was released on 24 February 2017.

References

  1. ↑ Means P., Sean (7 March 2007). "Sundance: Winners span the Earth and beyond". The Salt Lake Tribune . Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dudek, Duane (18 September 2007). "Milwaukee director goes to India for 'Pool'". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Noble, Kate. "Frequently Asked Questions with Chris Smith, director". Press Kit – The Pool. Archived from the original (DOC) on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  4. 1 2 Pais J, Arthur (2 September 2008). "A tale reminiscent of Satyajit Ray". Rediff.com . Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Rapold, Nicolas (29 August 2008). "Chris Smith: American Directory". The New York Sun . Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  6. ↑ "Tanda boy turns English movie hero: Deccan Herald". 23 August 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  7. ↑ "Star-crossed boys grab screen-share at IFFI". The Hindu . 28 November 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  8. ↑ "The Pool". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  9. 1 2 3 "Metacritic: 2008 Film Critic Top Ten Lists". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2 January 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.