I have a rule: if I netflix a movie more than twice, it's worth buying. I netflixed The Life Aquatic twice, and figured I might as well buy it. I saw the trailers for it when it first came out and it looked really funny. I didn't get round to seeing it in the theater, so home video had to do. I loved it every bit as much as if I had seen it in the theater. The Life Aquatic is Wes Anderson's latest film foray, and it lacks none of the humor and wit of his earlier films. There are many things to love about this movie: the colorful marine life, the beautiful soundtrack, the humor (which admittedly can be a bit of an acquired taste) and of course, the story. Bill Murray's character is the kind of guy you can love and hate. On the one hand, he was great. He was the Jacques Cousteau of the time in his heydey, but has fallen into disrepute. He is the kind of man who is great on the outside, but is only too human once you look closer. Add to this a colorful crew, an estranged wife and a possibly long-ignored son and you've got quite a mix of characters. All the parts are played beautifully. Owen Wilson is every bit a gentleman pilot from Kentucky, Angelica Houston couldn't be a better Eleanor if she tried and Willem Dafoe gives a marvelous performance as Klaus. Let's not forget a very pompous Jeff Goldblum as Zissou's nemesis. Bottom line: I adore this movie. The acting, the script and the cinematography combine to give a wonderful snapshot in the life of a man who had greatness, lost it and is attempting to scrape by with what little he can find. I will say that like all of Wes Anderson's films, The Life Aquatic is not for everyone. He has a certain brand of humor that some would call 'dry.' I prefer to call it 'subtle' but again, it's not for everyone. My advice is this: if you liked Lost in Translation, Rushmore or The Royal Tenenbaums, you will almost certainly like The Life Aquatic. If you didn't like these films, The Life Aquatic is probably not for you.Read full review
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, is the latest opus of acclaimed writer director Steve Zissou. Anderson's signature style honed in past films such as; The Royal Tenenbaums, and Rushmore is a constantly refined mixture of bringing the sophistication of the theatre to film while utilizing his own unique attention to detail. Bill Murray leads an all star cast as the eccentric Steve Zissou, on a quest to avenge his companion Esteban, who was killed by the rare Jaguar Shark. For Wes Anderson fans this is a must own film, for fans of well crafted and eccentric storytelling it is an experience that bares repeating.
Love this movie and love Criterion's transfer! Trivia: spot Harold from HAROLD & MAUDE in a supporting role.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Wes Anderson is one of my favorite directors. His dra-comedy films are all great, I recommend you watch the others. The life aquatic is so well put together, the colors, the characters, the plot. Bill Murry played Steve Zissou like no other could, and Owen Wilson finally played a different role, and he played it very well. I recommend you buy this film.
This film is quietly hilarious in places, disturbing in others, and just plain odd everywhere else. Enjoyable for its sheer absurdity and its protagonists' cockeyed view of events taking place around them, it's difficult not to find something to enjoy here. Some of the movie's best bits are in its absurd casting choices---Willem Dafoe, playing very much against type here, is a riot without ever really even having a funny line. And Bill Murray proves once again that he's a real actor, not just some former SNL hack riding out a career on his past fame. Not for everyone, but if you love Wes Anderson movies or are a fan of the slightly strange and understated, give this one a try.
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