By: debbie lynn elias
An implausibly written and acted teen version of “Fatal Attraction,” “Swimfan” will undoubtedly sink faster than the Titanic itself. A painful bellyflop from beginning to end, John Polson, in his first major directorial outing, and novice screenwriters Charles F. Bohl and Phillip Schneider, leave the film floundering in deep waters with no life preservers or life boats in sight.
“Swimfan” is the story of Ben Cronin, former “bad boy”, druggie and local thief, who has turned his life around, becoming the model student and soon-to-be-star of the high school swim team. Oh yeah, and he got the pick of the litter with his girlfriend Amy – not only cute, but devoted, kind, loving and smart. But, a leopard doesn’t change it’s spots and neither does Ben when he has a one night stand with new-girl-in-town, Madison. Although Ben tells Madison up front that this is a one-shot deal and that there will be no further involvement between the two, Madison won’t take no for an answer. And we all know what happens when women are scorned and Madison is no exception to the rule. Determined to convince Ben that he really does want and love her, Madison puts the wheels in motion for madness and mayhem as she sets out in true stalker fashion to destroy Ben’s idyllic life and show him that life with her is his true heart’s desire. And if that doesn’t work, at least she’s left him broken, miserable and alone.
Madison is a pale comparison to Glenn Close’s psychotic rendition of the obsessed Alex in “Fatal Attraction” – a character so ingrained in our minds that she is the standard by whom all other are compared when it comes to a woman’s scorn, obsession and revenge. Erika Christensen, who was outstanding in “Traffic”, does her best to portray Madison, but be it her youth and inexperience, or merely the unoriginal and uninventive script by Bohl and Schneider, her best just isn’t good enough. Jesse Bradford although he holds his own as Ben, is unsympathetic and you find yourself wagging your finger at him in a scolding manner for his stupidity, i.e., you made your bed now lie in it; you got what you deserved, etc. Having seen his far superior and more entertaining work in “Clockstoppers”, I was sorely disappointed with his performance in “Swimfan.” But, it is Shiri Appleby who is the one medal hopeful here. In her role as good girl/ good girlfriend, Amy Miller, Appleby exudes a savvy innocence with such warmth and credibility, that you can’t help but love her character and Amy’s obvious wisdom beyond her years. Unfortunately for them, Appleby only makes the performances of Bradford and Christensen look that much sorrier. And for those movie trivia buffs out there, your eyes did not deceive you – supporting performances are turned in by next generation Hollywoodites, veteran Kate Burton (daughter of Richard) and newcomer Jason Ritter (son of John).
But this isn’t to say there aren’t some redeeming values in this film. Despite it’s unseaworthiness, the Titanic was nevertheless sleek and stylish. “Swimfan” is the same. While the script sinks (and stinks), the production values are a visual treat. Director of photography, Giles Nuttgens, who last year gave us “The Deep End” brings a graceful beauty to the film with a rich use of color and lighting usually reserved for five star, big budget, adult dramas. I must admit that Nuttgens work – even as camera operator or second unit photography director on films like “Phantom Menace” or “Attack of the Clones” – is always impressive and multi-dimensional. Likewise, director Polson makes excellent use of quick “jump and cut” shots which aid tremendously in helping to show the true mental instability of Madison. Polson also shows good form at the film’s outset with his character development of Ben, Madison and Amy, however, then quickly loses it as the film spirals into a free-falling bellyflop, concentrating on the Madison’s physical destruction and devastation rather than the characters and the storyline.
Sink or swim? “Swimfan” should have stocked up on some swim fins if it was to have any hope of making it to back to shore.
