Water (1985 film)
Water is a 1985 British comedy film directed by Dick Clement, starring Michael Caine, Billy Connolly, and Valerie Perrine. The film satirizes British colonialism and corporate greed in the context of a fictional Caribbean island facing an oil and bottled water boom.
Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Cascara, a forgotten British colony in the Caribbean. Governor Baxter Thwaites (Caine), a relatively laid-back administrator, presides over a tranquil island life. This peace is disrupted by the discovery of both oil and exceptionally pure mineral water. The sudden potential for wealth attracts a diverse cast of characters, including Sir Malcolm (played by Fulton Mackay), a British businessman seeking to exploit the oil reserves; Delgado (Connolly), a revolutionary leader aiming to overthrow the colonial government; and Dolores (Perrine), a glamorous American businesswoman eager to capitalize on the water's bottling potential.
The ensuing chaos sees the island caught between the desires of foreign powers, local revolutionaries, and the bumbling incompetence of the British government. Governor Thwaites attempts to navigate the situation while struggling to maintain order and protect the interests of the island's inhabitants. The film culminates in a farcical showdown involving the various factions vying for control of Cascara's resources.
Cast:
- Michael Caine as Governor Baxter Thwaites
- Billy Connolly as Delgado
- Valerie Perrine as Dolores
- Brenda Vaccaro as Mrs. Kramer
- Leonard Rossiter as Sir Malcolm
- Fulton Mackay as The Reverend
- Chris Tummings as Errol
- Alan Ford as Watt
- Dennis Dugan as Rob Waring
Production:
Water was filmed on the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean. The film features a soundtrack by George Harrison.
Reception:
The film received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its satirical humor and performances, others found it to be uneven and lacking in focus. It was a modest commercial success.
Themes:
The film explores themes of colonialism, corporate exploitation, political corruption, and the clash between tradition and modernity. It satirizes the arrogance and self-interest of those seeking to profit from the resources of smaller, less powerful nations. The film also touches on the absurdity of bureaucratic inefficiency and the enduring impact of British colonialism.