Deep Water

Filmmakers Louise Osmond and Jerry Rothwell's riveting documentary Deep Water focuses on Donald Crowhurst, an enthusiastic amateur who entered an around-the-world solo yacht race sponsored by the London's Sunday Times in 1968. Narrated by Tilda Swinton, the film cannily interweaves archival footage and audio recordings, dramatic recreations, and contemporary interviews to fashion both a rousing adventure story and a portrait of a troubled man. Although most of the race entrants were highly experienced sailors, Crowhurst was the proverbial odd man out—a weekender with a loving wife and four young children, a small-time maker of nautical equipment who persuaded a land-lubbing patron to put up the money for an experimental yacht. Crowhurst wasn't cut out for the race, but once committed, he had no choice but to set sail and—despite a host of setbacks—stay the course, filming himself on the journey. It would be unfair to reveal how the race proceeded—suffice it to say there are plenty of surprises here, including a couple of dillies near the end that forced Crowhurst to make some fateful decisions. Though very suspenseful, Deep Water is first and foremost a profound tale of human frailty. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)