X
- 2004
- R
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
- 2004
- R
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
Summary Internationally famous oceanographer Steve Zissou (Murray) and his crew set sail on an expedition to hunt down the mysterious, elusive, possibly non-existent Jaguar Shark that killed Zissou's partner during the documentary filming of their latest adventure. (Touchstone Pictures)
Written By: Noah Baumbach
- 2004
- R
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
- 2004
- R
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
62
7.8
Where to Watch
Summary Internationally famous oceanographer Steve Zissou (Murray) and his crew set sail on an expedition to hunt down the mysterious, elusive, possibly non-existent Jaguar Shark that killed Zissou's partner during the documentary filming of their latest adventure. (Touchstone Pictures)
Written By: Noah Baumbach
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 38 Critic Reviews
62
55% Positive
21 Reviews
21 Reviews
39% Mixed
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
5% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 38 Critic Reviews
62
55% Positive
21 Reviews
21 Reviews
39% Mixed
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
5% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
For those of us who think this is the best comedy of 2004, the genius of the movie lies in its relocation.
Wonderfully weird and wistful adventure-comedy about a fish-out-of-water oceanographer.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 194 User Ratings
7.8
84% Positive
162 Ratings
162 Ratings
13% Mixed
26 Ratings
26 Ratings
3% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 194 User Ratings
7.8
84% Positive
162 Ratings
162 Ratings
13% Mixed
26 Ratings
26 Ratings
3% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Tragically misunderstood. Like many great films, destined to be rediscovered and reevaluated. The humor, like the drama, is subtle but not inaccessible or unrewarding. Expect a bittersweet tone, hilarious if slightly subtle laughs, and earnest, almost stern, examination of flawed but likable people. Two-dimensional characters need not apply. The humor and visuals are very self-aware and detailed, with special effects that are intentionally stylistic rather than realistic.
Quote: "I'm going to fight it, but I'll let it live. What about my dynamite?"
Report
Intermittently brilliant, intermittently hilarious -- and occasionally tedious.
The damnedest film. I can't recommend it, but I would not for one second discourage you from seeing it.
Will ultimately be remembered more for the trademark Anderson look than for any of its characters or any emotional impact.
It's the strangest comic misfire yet from Wes Anderson.
Not everbodys cup of tea, but I love it. The film is as always with director Anderson semi-crazy, semi-funny and beautifully made. You simply don't have a clue were the story is going, you just ride with it and enjoy it. Actors Dafoe, Blanchett and Huston are great. The others are good. The music score is fantastic.
Report
Film almost entirely set in an "aquatic" environment: Steve Zissou is a researcher-director of marine documentaries who, from the day his best friend is devoured by a jaguar shark, undertakes an expedition to hunt the animal. Murray's traveling companions are his wife, child, a pregnant reporter and crew. A snobbish and nostalgic comedy (probabily too snobbish) that is reminiscent of tenenbaums in all respects but not as good as that movie.
Report
is surprisingly a heartbreaking tale..
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou
Anderson's, probably, the first asymmetric and a bit "street" world runs on pathos ideology and is surprisingly a heartbreaking tale. It doesn't suggest in any way that it isn't funny. The awkward silent pitches are more hilarious than the conversations itself. As always Anderson dives into the details like no other, he informs you everything about everyone, from characteristics of the characters to the geographic tour that he is about to take through the entire feature, from the mood set in an environment to what the characters are thinking, everything favors in on his side. With plethora of characters at helm, he charges at you from the first frame with complete awareness and control over them. Despite of having these many characters, their sub-plots are still eerily fresh and ironical to the core.
Anderson is unflinchingly delivering smart and competent storytelling along with Baumbach, his co-writer. The screenplay is gripping and adaptive with a layered thought-provoking metaphorical concept residing amidst all one-liners. None of the gags in here are sketchy, the makers aren't trying too hard to draw out a chuckle from the viewers. Murray on the throne, is firm and convincing, no matter what his character might suggest, he cracks you up and he melt you down, his range is too wide to fit in the frame. Wilson in his parallel role is hilarious and eerily calm, as he always is.
Blanchett on the other hand, seems like is underused, still she is aptly on mark. Goldblum and Gambon aren't that impressive in here, they fail to cast their anticipated spell. Fortunately, the real game changer is Dafoe, he is flat out charming in his role. He is comfortable, he makes you comfortable, his emotionally driven character is perfectly filled in by him. His sub-plot is the strongest among all. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou is the least Anderson movie, and yet scream his presence on screen from head to toe.
Report
Sadly more rubbish inflicted on the public from Wes Anderson. This film is appalling, there are no redeeming qualities and I can only suggest if you wish to actually die of boredom, then watch this film. With the Royal Tennebaums it takes pride of place as being the joint worst film I have ever seen in my life.
Report
Awards
Satellite Awards
• 3 Nominations
Central Ohio Film Critics Association
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination