The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

Name: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Comedy
Released: December 10, 2004
Duration: 119 min
Rating: 62
Cast: Anjelica Huston, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Owen Wilson

2004

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 38 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 230 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 230 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: December 10, 2004 | R

Starring: Anjelica Huston, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Owen Wilson

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)

Director: Wes Anderson

Genre(s): Adventure, Drama, Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 119 min

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Critic Reviews

100

David Sterritt

The director of "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums" scores his most funny-sad movie to date. Read full review

Steven Rea

Like the old and creaky Belafonte, the film itself seems forever on the brink of drifting away. But it's the kind of drifting that's nothing but enjoyable. In fact, it's beyond enjoyable - heading into waters full of whimsy, mystery and odd, psychedelic fish. Read full review

Lou Lumenick

Intermittently brilliant, intermittently hilarious -- and occasionally tedious. Read full review

James Berardinelli

It is not as engaging as "The Royal Tenenbaums," but about on par with "Rushmore" and "Bottle Rocket." Read full review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Noah Baumbach collaborated on the arch script, whose bittersweet weirdness leaves a residue even as the narrative disintegrates. Read full review

Mike Clark

Nothing but attitude. Read full review

Michael Sragow

It's the strangest comic misfire yet from Wes Anderson. Read full review

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User Reviews

MikeG.

Apr 15, 2006

My favorite movie. The irony kills in this movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

DanielR.

Feb 29, 2008

This perfectly captures what makes Wes Anderson so great; deadpan humor, absurd plots, eye candy, and genuine emotion underneath.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

sandutter

Jan 29, 2014

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. TheNot 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.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

FreeReviewer

Jan 4, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wes Anderson's, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou takes the audience into the world of an aging oceanographer and documentarian by the name of Steve Zissou, played by Bill Murray. He is at a point in his life where his once profound ego is shattering before him and he questions his life's work. His best friend is eaten alive by a supposed "Jaguar Shark" and Murray and his film team will embark on one final expedition to find and kill the shark in the name of revenge.

While the storytelling in this movie can be rather slow at times it allows the viewers to create a better understanding of the protagonist of the film and some of the supporting characters. Murray fantastically portrays his character, showing how he deals with his reality around him and his ego, and how he reacts rather apathetically to them, although aware of them. Owen Wilson plays as Murray's supposed son, Ned, and portrays him to be a very likable character who simply wishes to know the father he always wanted to. The two share a decent at worst chemistry. Cate Blanchett plays as Jane Winslett-Richardson, a journalist who masterfully plays her part and serves as a minor romantic interest for both Murray and Owens. Bud Cort plays a "Bond Company Stooge", but instantly shows his characters great character and is very likable.

The plot does sometimes loose its focus, but never should leave you bored as it simply devotes parts of the movie not about the search for the shark to Murray's character and that of his crew. The way in which the sea life are portrayed and the soundtrack give the film a somewhat 'whimsical' factor, and fits the atmosphere of the film very well. The final reveal of the shark is also extremely well shot and acted.

In the end this film is somewhat of an unappreciated piece of art, and it should be watched by all those interested in plot and characters more than action and suspense.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Tubie

Nov 2, 2010

This movie is fun specially if you like the cast and the style. It is not for everyone though. Many people, specially in these modern times, do not like slow movies and this one is pretty slow. I would recommend this movie to Wes Anderson fans and fans of indie movies.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

mailinh

Jan 6, 2014

Unfortunately, the wonderful excitement I usually get while watching Anderson movies faded after the first 55 running min. of "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" as I realised it will last twice as long as from now. After that it was kind of difficult to focus on the movie while not to getUnfortunately, the wonderful excitement I usually get while watching Anderson movies faded after the first 55 running min. of "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" as I realised it will last twice as long as from now. After that it was kind of difficult to focus on the movie while not to get drowned into a dull mood. This film of his contained too much dispensable scenes. For my part, Anderson movies should obviously maintain a shorter length.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DougZ

Dec 17, 2007

I just don't "get it." This film sets a mood, but doesn't go anywhere. If the idea of a plot is optional, you'll love this film. I couldn't help but feel like characters were introduced just so the actors could work with Wes Anderson. Wes, you stole two hours of my life!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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42	#42 Most Discussed Movie of 2004
70	#70 Most Shared Movie of 2004