Pine's Debut Film "Poolman" Premieres Amid SAG-AFTRA Strike Solidarity

Chris Pine's directorial debut "Poolman" is set to receive its worldwide premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on Monday night. Pine will not be in attendance, having chosen to support his fellow actors amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. According to the film's producer, Stacey Sher, Pine is not just proud to stand with his colleagues during this contentious time, but also believes that the character at the film's center would do the same.

Created during quarantine amid the Covid-19 pandemic, "Poolman" is Pine's heartfelt tribute to his hometown of Los Angeles. Co-represented by CAA Media Finance and AGC for domestic rights, the film is scheduled for a private screening at the festival before being introduced to buyers. Stacey Sher elaborates on the unique spirit of Pine's character, Darren - a pool cleaner mixed up in a world of shady dealings - and the film's overall loving portrayal of LA.

Pine's love for LA is evident throughout "Poolman," not only in the film's narrative but in its details. He insisted on shooting the entire film in LA to support local businesses. The movie, which was written during quarantine, is a nod to classic LA-set noir like "Chinatown" and "The Long Goodbye," as well as the eccentricity of "The Big Lebowski" and the whimsy of "Bottle Rocket."

Sher, known for her championship of directors like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh, was drawn to the originality of the film. "Poolman," in her words, "is wildly optimistic, wear-its-heart-on-its-sleeve-but-for-the-better sort of way type of movie." She proclaims her excitement about Pine's directorial debut, referencing her past experience aiding actors like Zach Braff and Ben Stiller break into directing.

Throughout the production process, Pine displayed a keen eye for detail and design, impressing Sher with his full immersion into his directing duties. Actor Danny DeVito, one of "Poolman's" cast members and a former producing partner of Sher, provided valuable mentorship to Pine during the development of his debut directorial project.

Now, let’s ruffle the coat a little bit. Pine choosing not to attend the global premiere at the Toronto Film Festival is a significant testament to his character - both on and off the screen. More committed to standing with his fellow actors in their industrial action than his own red carpet moment - now, that's some method acting! The solidarity expressed here feels, frankly, as refreshing as one of Darren's poolside beverages.

The very creation of "Poolman" during Covid quarantine is an interesting irony of birthplace. Just as Los Angeles reinvents itself with every changing trend, Pine took the isolation of the pandemic and converted it into personal invention, using the time to construct his hilarious yet thought-provoking love letter to the city of angels. You can smell the palm trees and hear the traffic's hum throughout "Poolman," conjuring up a picturesque LA with an all too real underbelly.

However, "Poolman" isn't just an ode to Pine's city, it's an emotional exploration of both its lead character, Darren, and Pine himself. Wearing an "I Love LA" shirt throughout the film is the biggest hint you'll get about who this film is really about. Darren's (and by extension, Pine's) infectious optimism is so potent, you can almost see the Hollywood sign shining brighter.

Sher's belief that Pine's film is a "wildly optimistic" one should not be overlooked either. After a period as tumultuous as the pandemic, what we need more than anything is a dose of positivity. Sounds like the perfect pool to take a dip in, doesn't it?

On a closing note, Pine wearing his director's hat isn't just about switching roles; it's a testament to his dexterity and dedication. His diligent study of "Chinatown," a meticulous script breakdown, and ensuing rewriting - all during a dire time of global unrest is a reflection not only of an entertainer's resilience but also a commitment to creativity.

About to make a splash with his debut, Pine seems set to prove that actor-turned-director isn't just a change in label - it's an elevation. With "Poolman," he's stripped down to his artist's core, diving headfirst into the deep end. Here's hoping, the water's warm and inviting.