Writer/Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray and Willem Dafoe
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses have managed to get a fan following as big as Cate Blanchett. Ever since her recognition in 1990’s, Blanchett has become an icon. Whether it’s lesbian lovers, political leaders or bold teachers, Blanchett has portrayed countless strong characters. Arguably, Blanchett’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her undying commitment to her craft. She is one of those rare actresses that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Through her capability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Blanchett has created a legacy that’s lasting. Although she is best known for her iconic role in the Lord of the Rings movies, Blanchett has proven she can make great films in practically every genre. Throughout her career, Blanchett has made several memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Blanchett and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is my definitive favourite. Released in 2004, Wes Anderson’s movie offered a strong portrait of aquatic captains. Packed with stunning production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s one of the best adventure movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance made by Cate Blanchett, who embodies an oceanographer facing regret. Ultimately, what makes “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” a masterpiece is bold appeal. Unlike most Wes Anderson movies targeted to a small audience, it discusses powerful themes everyone would relate to. An amazing adventure masterpiece, there are countless strong reasons why “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” is a movie that’s worth watching.
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” tells a story of an aquatic captain embarking on an ocean adventure. Bill Murray embodies Steve Zissou, a celebrated ocean explorer that seeks to make his dreams come true. Zissou has always admired the process of ocean exploration that he has grown up to value. However, Zissou’s life changes when he loses a member of his crew to a shark causing terror. Assisted by a team of close companions led by Jane (Cate Blanchett), Zissou seeks to destroy sharks that caused him to face regret. Faced with frightening consequences posed by the ocean, Zissou questions his devotion to a profession that he regarded with affection. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Zissou soon questions whether it’s possible to become a successful ocean explorer.
Wes Anderson has always been fascinated with the themes of dysfunctional families. A fantastic filmmaker, Anderson has created engaging movies about families in disaster. His movie “The Royal Tenenbaums” offered a powerful portrait of broken families which endure catastrophe. With “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou”, however, the filmmaker created his first underwater adventure film. It was the director’s first attempt capturing the lives of ocean explorers facing a tragedy but he succeeded tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Anderson captures the life of an aquatic captain exploring sea. Evoking Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws”, Anderson utilizes point of view shots to capture tensions that underwater explorers are experiencing. For instance, POV shots enhance the oceanic exploration scene. During this unforgettable scene, Zissou has a tense encounter with a shark which threatens his ship. Using strong POV shots, Anderson creates a portrayal of oceans that’s compelling. POV shots aren’t easy to use in movies. POV shots are tricky. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” proved, POV shots enhance movies about aviation. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through stunning visuals, Scorsese captures tension oceans are facing.
Another strong aspect of “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well-made. Emulating James Cameron’s “Titanic”, Anderson uses set-design to construct a ship that’s iconic. Throughout the movie, Zissou’s ship plays a crucial role in showcasing his personality as an ocean explorer. For instance, set design of the ships enhances the aquatic journeys scene. During this memorable scene, Zissou and his crew embark on an adventure in the seas. Moreover, the music score is dazzling. Mark Mothersbaugh’s music is key towards the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the burden that ship captains bear. Through extraordinary production, Anderson creates a compelling portrait of ocean exploration.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is a film that’s worth watching. The film is extremely well-written, and effectively uses silence to capture the lives of ocean explorers which seek experience. Evoking Robert Zemeckis’ “Cast Away”, Anderson effectively employs silence to demonstrate lives of underwater explorers that are cast away. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this unforgettable scene, Zissou bids tearful farewell to his companions on a significant ship. Through silence, Anderson creates a portrait of ocean exploration audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Richard Eyre’s “Notes on a Scandal” suggested, silence elevates movies about notorious teacher scandals. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this film. Through a bold screenplay, Anderson captures the lives of ocean explorers which face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Cate Blanchett delivers one of her finest career performances as Jane. Blanchett earned appreciation for playing famous actresses in period pieces. With “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”, however, she took upon her most complex role. It isn’t simply to portray an underwater explorer facing adversity but she succeeds. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and moving in her most iconic role. It’s a bold performance from one of the finest actresses working today.
While the movie is mainly showcase for Cate Blanchett, the supporting cast is fantastic and worthy of appreciation. Bill Murray is brilliant, capturing the life of an underwater ocean explorer facing a price to pay. Willem Dafoe is dazzling, capturing the sorrow of an ocean explorer that has dreams to follow. Lastly, Jeff Goldblum merits appreciation. As an ambitious ocean explorer, he brings hilarious comical relief.
Finally, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing aquatic oceans with value. Unlike most Wes Anderson films that are targeted to a small audience, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes such as ambition, mental heath and trauma which would definitely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is one of those rare movies about underwater exploration that everyone would adore.
Fans of Cate Blanchett would enjoy “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” and so will movie-goers seeking entertainment. An astonishing adventure classic, it celebrates an actress that’s iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic film about aquatic captains on an adventure across the sea, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress that has created a phenomenal legacy through her ability to portray compelling characters in iconic films which audiences love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 