Review of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) by Michael G — 06 Apr 2011

This film is just more proof that professional critics live in a bubble and don't "get it". The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is smart, subtle comedy that takes a few viewings to truly appreciate.

I loved Bill Murray as Steve Zissou. I love the growth that his character undergoes through the film. Near the end, he says to Jane "I said those things. I did those things." Which to me represents the ultimate moment of self-awareness for the vain but subdued narcissist Steve is portrayed to be.

Bill clearly "got" the character of Steve in the same critics don't "get" Wes Anderson's work. Also, I loved the silly, over-the-top, slightly fantastic element that ran as an undercurrent through the film. The tour of the Belafonte, the wildly colorful and impossible sea life (culminating in the elusive Jaguar Shark), and the non-sequitor twists of fate that befall the crew all turn the film into a work of art. I think the denoument at the end, in the submarine, is one of the most emotionally charged moments in cinema that I've ever seen.

All in all, I think there's a clear distinction between those that really feel what Wes Anderson is trying to say, or those that don't. Somewhat like Terry Gilliam, there's some etherial quality to his films that you either vibe with or you don't.