Retro Film Review: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Despite all the continents having been discovered and almost all territories being mapped, the 20th Century boasted its fair share of remarkable explorers. Among the most renowned was Jacques Cousteau (1910 - 1997), a French naval officer whose passion for undersea exploration was matched only by his filmmaking prowess. He produced a vast array of undersea documentaries, establishing himself as one of the foremost scientific figures of the 20th Century. Numerous artists paid tribute to him, including John Denver in one of his songs. However, the most striking homage to date is found in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, a 2004 comedy directed by Wes Anderson.

The central character in the film is Steve Zissou (portrayed by Bill Murray), a Cousteau-like undersea explorer and documentary filmmaker who gained fame through a series of films chronicling the adventures aboard his research vessel, the "Belafonte." Following a disastrous expedition where his trusted assistant Esteban (played by Seymour Cassell) seemingly fell victim to a mythical Jaguar shark, Zissou spent years seeking funding for a new expedition to hunt down the creature and avenge his friend's demise. His chance arrives with the arrival of Ned (portrayed by Owen Wilson), a young airline pilot claiming to be his son, and Jane Winslett-Richardson (played by Cate Blanchett), a pregnant British reporter set to document the expedition.

Wes Anderson has carved a niche for himself with films characterised by a distinctive style and an array of eccentric characters, a reputation upheld by The Life Aquatic. Anderson opts for long, static shots throughout the film, allowing viewers to appreciate the exquisite cinematography, impressive production design, and striking costumes. Noteworthy is a particularly impressive shot offering a cross-section view of Zissou's vessel. The performances in the film are stellar, with Bill Murray shining, having previously collaborated with Anderson on Rushmore. Anderson showcases the power of creativity unrestricted by Hollywood norms, with the film's allure and surreal ambiance owed in part to the stop-motion animation of exotic sea creatures and the use of Brazilian actor and singer Seu Jorge to cover David Bowie's songs in Portuguese.

The Life Aquatic diverges significantly from the typical Hollywood fare, offering a unique viewing experience. However, those seeking more than mere eccentricity may find shortcomings. Chief among these is a lack of consistent humour, a critical flaw for a film billed as a comedy. While there are moments of hilarity, they are sporadic and often mistimed. The film's pacing is leisurely, occasionally bogged down by dramatic sequences that lack impact, culminating in a melodramatic and predictable conclusion. Certain characters, such as Zissou's wife (portrayed by Anjelica Huston), are underutilised, while others, like Zissou's rival (played by Jeff Goldblum), could have been excised from the final cut. It is disheartening to witness such a wealth of talent not fully integrated into a cohesive narrative, yet this flaw should not dissuade viewers from experiencing The Life Aquatic.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)

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