The Reflecting Pool

The Reflecting Pool is an independent drama-thriller film written, directed, and produced by Jarek Kupsc. Released in 2008, The Reflecting Pool follows the lives of a journalist and a father as they investigate the official explanation of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. The plot focuses on the many unanswered questions around the tragic event.

In his role as Alex Prokop, a successful journalist, Jarek Kupsc carries a lot of the emotional weight of the film. Overwhelmed by the inconsistencies in the government's version of the 9/11 events, Alex becomes engrossed in finding the truth. A video tape from a mysterious source further fuels his mental turmoil. This video leads him towards a conspiracy theory, which he cannot initially comprehend but feels compelled to investigate on account of his pursuit for truth and justice.

Adding another layer to the narrative is Joseph Culp, who delivers a poignant performance as Paul Cooper, a distrusting and determined father. His character ties in as the father of a victim of the attacks, looking to uncover or make sense of the circumstances that led to his daughter's death. The pain of losing his daughter drives Paul to join Kupsc's character in a quest for the truth that challenges the officially sanctioned narrative.

Lisa Black takes on the role of Maggie, Alex's partner, who stands as his moral compass throughout the film. Maggie's warmth and compassion shed light on the emotional and personal stakes that come with their investigation. She provides a semblance of normality and a counterpoint to the deep and puzzling journey into the unknown that Alex and Paul undertake.

The plot journey of The Reflecting Pool is suspenseful and psychologically intense in its quest for facts and truths about 9/11. The film cleverly navigates its characters through a web of secrets, lies, and misinformation surrounding the tragedy. Rather than approaching the topic with blatant accusations, the film takes on a more investigative tone, allowing audience and characters to sift through the information and reach their conclusions.

Kupsc's directing style in The Reflecting Pool is noteworthy. He keeps a steady pace, allowing the suspense to build over time. The film uses primarily dialogues to push the narrative forward, creating a slow-burning investigative story that lets the tension build gradually. The Reflecting Pool provides a view into the realm of investigative journalism and the lengths one would go to when searching for truth and justice, even when haunted by dissent, pressure, or risk.

At its heart, The Reflecting Pool is less about pushing a single rigid answer to the audience but rather about inviting them to question, to investigate, and to never stop seeking the truth. It explores themes such as determination, the power of truth, and the existence of hidden narratives that often go unattended in our society. It sends a poignant message about persistence and the importance of questioning.

The cinematography is crisp and adds depth to the storytelling. The careful use of lighting, composition, and camera angles enhances the suspense, while the editing rhythm matches the slow-building tension of the film. The Reflecting Pool uses subtle visual cues that suggest and imply more than they explicitly show, echoing the central theme of finding what is hidden beneath the surface.

In terms of performances, Kupsc, Culp, and Black work extraordinarily well together, creating a tapestry of compelling characters that the audience can connect with on various levels. Lisa Black adds a level of heart and subtlety to her role that balances the intense performances of her co-stars.

The Reflecting Pool does not shy away from its ambition to stir thoughts and invite its audience into a conversation that has been often overlooked or actively suppressed. The movie is certainly not a casual watch, but for those who are interested in thought-provoking cinema or the genre of political thrillers, it is a worthwhile journey.

Presenting a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on a subject inundated with countless theories, The Reflecting Pool makes its mark as an essential cinematic piece. It places the narrative in the hands of its characters, paving the way for an intimate and introspective viewing experience and leaving the audience with more questions than answers, nudging them to think beyond the obvious and question the information they are presented.