Generally speaking, swimming pools are modern status symbols. They represent wealth, freedom and control. In movies and TV shows, this symbolism is often exploited for various purposes. In coming-of-age movies, for example, swimming pools can help portray youth and fun. However, sometimes a swimming pool can also symbolize decadence and abandonment (if it’s dirty or contaminated, or even if it’s empty). In “Breaking Bad”, for instance, people piss, vomit or bleed out in pools. Walter spends a lot of time cleaning his pool, but nobody actually swims or has fun in it. What movies or TV shows use swimming pools to represent deterioration, corruption or even sin? This topic should focus on the ominous side of swimming pool representation.
Swimming pools often serve as powerful visual metaphors in film and TV. In The Great Gatsby, the pool symbolizes Gatsby’s wealth and ultimate downfall, as it becomes the site of his tragic death. Similarly, Sunset Boulevard uses a pool to reflect faded glory and despair. Your mention of Breaking Bad is spot on—Walter’s pool is a constant reminder of his moral decay. Any other chilling pool scenes come to mind? – danielledunham1 month ago