The deeper you go, the weirder life gets.|Dec. 10, 2004|United States|119 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Comedy;Drama
Description: “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is a 2004 film that follows oceanographer Steve Zissou on a daring mission. While working on his latest documentary at sea, Zissou’s best friend and chief diver, Esteban du Plantier, is attacked and killed by a massive, glowing creature Zissou calls a “jaguar shark.” Determined to avenge Esteban’s death, Zissou sets out to capture the shark on film for his next project.
The crew aboard Zissou’s aging research vessel, the Belafonte, includes his estranged wife Eleanor, who serves as his chief strategist and financial backer, and a quirky team of experts such as Pelé dos Santos, a safety officer and Brazilian guitarist who sings David Bowie songs in Portuguese, and Klaus Daimler, the German first mate who sees Zissou as a father figure. Other crew members include a physicist, a cameraman, a frogman, and a group of unpaid interns. Despite their passion, the team has struggled; they haven’t released a successful documentary in nearly a decade.
Ned Plimpton, a devoted Zissou fan, believes Steve is his father and joins the crew after his mother’s death. Despite initial reluctance, Zissou accepts Ned’s help, even as Eleanor disapproves of their growing bond. A pregnant journalist, Jane Winslett-Richardson, also joins the voyage to document their journey, sparking a rivalry between Zissou and Ned for her attention.
As the crew ventures deeper into their mission, they face challenges, including stealing tracking equipment from Zissou’s successful rival, Alistair Hennessey. The film blends humor, adventure, and emotional depth as Zissou and his team navigate their quest for redemption and discovery.
Cast director: Wes Anderson
Cast actor: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Gambon, Noah Taylor, Bud Cort, Seu Jorge
Original name: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou