7. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is certainly one of the stranger films that Wes Anderson has made. It plot focuses on Steve Zissous (Bill Murray) quest to gain revenge on the shark that killed his best friend, with the films conclusion providing a heart warming mix of acceptance and atonement, certainly one of the films strengths and there are a few to be had despite some very dreary moments that weigh the film down. The visuals are bright and vibrant, providing a gorgeous set of palettes to allow the film to work with. Also implementing the talents of Devos Mark Mothersbaugh to compose the score provides the film with a groovy 60s vibe giving the film some personality and with the traditional established cast that Anderson seems to provide, great performances from Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and in particular Cate Blanchett shed some positivity on the film. However, commercially the film did poorly, taking in less than half its $50 million budget domestically and struggling to rake in the rest overseas. The reason for this may be its very obscure selling point, with its only real obvious connection laying with Jules Vernes 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and the polarisation of opinions when critics reviewed it. On release the film didnt set alight critics imaginations as his previous films had done. The sense was one of confusion, with some going so far to claim arrogance on Andersons part, that he had stretched his eccentricity and weirdness too far, a thought that feels like critics were hoping Anderson would under-perform. In the end however the film does mirror its protagonist on occasion far too well. Steve Zissou is a tired, apathetic individual hoping for the end to come. The film sighs and feels a little lethargic and unexcited, plodding along hoping for a burst of relief to awaken it. Its certainly not a poor film; it just feels rushed, unable to connect together a well structured narrative with the plethora of personalities onboard. If this is the worst film Wes Anderson makes, it really isnt too bad a thing.