Where to start?
Pretentious? Another Hollywood movie trying to be European in its flavor? An incoherent plot with no real direction?
Yes, the above is all true. But somehow it works, and I'm not quite sure why.
The cast of Life Aquatic is stellar to say the least. A brilliant turn by Murray who is just a dead-cert in everything he touches; Owen Wilson proving that he isn't just a comedy slash action hero and supporting names such as Cate Blanchet, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Gambon, Angelica Huston and Willem Defoe. This is a movie that has no lack of star power.
The Life Aquatic is an eclectic movie by design, that follows Oceanographer Steve Zissou (Murray) on his personal and professional revenge mission to hunt the fabled Jaguar Shark that took his friend during the filming of a documentary. Kingston Ned Plimpton (Owen Wilson) is a Kentucky Co-pilot that may be Zissou's son or might not be, who joins Zissou and his crew on the mission to kill the shark and make a documentary that will receive critical acclaim; something that is a 12 year memory for Team Zissou.
As I watched the movie I couldn't pin it. I couldn't decide quite if what I was watching was rubbish or great. There were points when I almost felt like I was wasting my time and points where I was enjoying the incoherent ride this story basically is, quite a bit. This movie isn't a straight comedy, thats for sure. I didn't laugh out loud once, I smiled on more than one occasion but this isn't a movie that will have you reeling with laughter. That said, Murray plays his role very well and is very funny, if not laugh out loud so.
I also have to compliment this movie with a great soundtrack and bringing me to the attention of Seu Jorges who is an incredible talent who literally goes through the entire movie peforming David Bowie songs in Portuguese. This guy is quite, quite brilliant and his peformance of Queen Bitch during the credits was just sheer quality. Ok, I'm a huge Bowie fan but this guy is great.
The Life Aquatic is just one of those movies. I wouldn't go so far as to say it was a brilliant movie because it wasn't, really. What it is despite the opening comments is "refreshing". And yes, it's entertaining. This is a flim that I doubt many will be apathetic about. You're either going to go for it or despise it.
I will stop short here since my Chicken Nuggets are probably burning in the oven but I will give my recommendation on this one.
I will be interested in hearing others opinions on this film.
Ok, I'm out.
