“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” (2004) is a quirky comedy with an underlying tone of sadness and loss throughout the film. Directed by Wes Anderson, the film pays homage to the many documentaries created by the famous explorer and scientist, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, even going so far as to outfit the crew in Cousteau’s trademark red, woolen hat. Anderson has created fun and quirky films such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” all of which can trace their similarities to Anderson’s earlier films. Anderson has received six Academy Award nominations and won a BAFTA award for his script in “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
“The Life Aquatic” focuses on Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) and his whimsical crew of filmmakers, seeking to make the next big scientific discovery. When his friend and lifelong partner Esteban du Plantier is killed, Zissou sets out to find the beast that killed him and get his revenge. Nobody acknowledges the legitimacy of Zissou’s tale, and they refuse to financially support his expedition. Broke and defeated, Zissou experiences a huge drop in self-esteem and reliance on alcohol. As a last-ditch effort, Zissou rallies his crew together, with no promise of salary, to bring his final expedition to fruition, seeking out the mysterious beast and intending to capture it on film. Zissou and his crew set out to save their careers and return prestige to the name Zissou. The arrival of Ned Plimpton (Owen Wilson) sets the course into disarray as he claims to be Zissou’s biological son and has recently come into enough money to fund the expedition, leading the tale on a wild turn, bringing thievery, pirates, hopelessness and plenty of guns into the mix.
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is an excellent film to begin with and allows the viewer to get a feel for Anderson’s trademarks and directorial style. Anderson’s fascination with fonts and handwritten messages shows throughout “The Life Aquatic.“ His excessive use of the Futura font can be recognized throughout, and through handwritten letters he conveys pure emotion between his whimsical characters.
The film begins with an elaborate title card written in Sans Serifs font, another Anderson knack. Many of the special effects within the film are constructed by hand, rather than utilizing computer-generated graphics to bring life to scenes that cannot physically be replicated. The construction of an eight-foot long, stop-motion puppet allowed for Anderson to add his creative visions to the film, while saving a “quick buck.”
Anderson wrote the film’s script with Murray in mind. Murray’s excitement to be in the film brought a need for a strong supporting cast. Anderson chose talented actors and actresses alike, bringing Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum along on the adventure. Anderson keeps an aspect of continuity in his films, having featured Murray, Dafoe, Wilson and Goldblum within other films, as they are willing to take a lower salary, in exchange for making a fun and quirky Anderson film.
This film is geared toward many audiences, although it may not appear so when researching or hearing about the film. “The Life Aquatic” is a dark comedy at its core, yet it incorporates elements of drama into its plot. Zissou’s love for life and adventure often finds him longing for more and growing further away from those who truly care about him. We see this unfold throughout the film, although it seems to be heavily buried under comedic dialogue and sarcastic, witty responses. Zissou is not the same man he once was, and cannot find the means to adapt.
The inclusion of Ned and the Reporter allow Zissou to become attached and loving of something for once, and we see drama transpire through the film. Anderson’s script brings a sentimental feeling of fatherhood in Zissou’s interaction with Ned. Zissou’s crew never lose faith in him and seek to bring happiness to Zissou and information to the world of science. The film is very simple, yet intricately laced with beautiful detail and portrayal of life.
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” can be found on Netflix for the next few months. Add it to your watch list, or check it out if this poses any interest to you. Alternatively, the film can be rented or purchased on both Amazon and the iTunes store.
Written by Staff writer, Will Blase
