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| The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou |  |  |
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User's review
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Wow, I cannot believe the wide range of ratings for this movie. I went, not expecting a whole lot, because critics seemed to rave about it and I thought it would end up being overly pretentious. Oh. My. God. Was I wrong. Maybe it's because I read a lot of Tintin comic books while growing up that I wholly appreciated the whimsical, European-flavoured set design. I wish they would come out with a poster-book of the movie's scenes and sets -- I would buy it in an instant! And to those who didn't find it emotionally engaging... stop eating your popcorn and really watch and listen and you'll see those moments. Granted, there weren't a whole lot, but the movie definitely had warmth, much more than expected. For instance, the scene when Bill Murray mentions not wanting to be a father -- there's a throwaway line but it's filled with painful emotion, if you really pay attention. Also, near the very end when they all go in the sub to finally see the jaguar shark and Murray tears up as he remembers his dead friend -- holy, I was not expecting to get choked up. It's such a subtle scene, but packs a wallop. You realize, in that instant, why Zissou is the way he is, very repressed and stoic but underneath there's a riot of emotions because of the great loss of his friend. It's great that Anderson never went into the background of that friendship, because it leaves you to figure it out for yourself and put the pieces together. Why, for instance, he starts to bond with his long-lost son (as a replacement for his friend) and how he must've felt when he too died. Why he seems detached with his dealings with others, as if wanting to protect himself from further loss. There is a strange kinship/bond within the whole crew -- again, subtle, but beautiful. And Willem Dafoe was a definite standout! I love how Anderson created this magical, whimsical world that you almost feel like escaping into, not only because of the set design and locale but because of the characters as well. I hope there's a sequel (if that's possible).. I miss Team Zissou already.
10/10
4.1.2005 -
spoodles7@ - age: 26-35
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