The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou: Legacy, Renewal, and Fish

Feb 19, 2025

· 2004, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Criterion Collection, Drama, Podcast, Romance

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou – Legacy, Renewal, and Fish

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Wes Anderson’s follow-up to The Royal Tenenbaums. It’s comedy, it’s drama, it’s silly outfits are all on the table as the two explore ideas of legacy, found-family, and so much more.

Topics:

(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing the games Kathryn & Melvin are playing, including an “uglicy” in Sims 3 and reflections on over and decade of Call of Duty games. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
Kathryn has seen more Wes Anderson movies than Melvin, and something about his style was getting to her. Melvin, however, really enjoyed the film.
Melvin shares what resonated with him, contrasting it with what he felt The Royal Tenenbaums wasn’t able to do a year ago.
Steve Zissou is constantly thinking about his future, and is clearly ruminating on his past, and the film takes these things to task as it orients him toward his present.
One’s legacy is at the forefront of the film, and this is contrasted against nature’s beautiful indifference.
Kathryn, “…the emotional heart of this movie is definitely Ned.”
Discussing the ending, and why Melvin loved it so much.

Recommendations:

And Then We Grew Up: On Creativity, Potential, and the Imperfect Art of Adulthood by Rachel Friedman (2019) (Book)
The Peanut Butter Solution (1985) (Movie)

Owen Wilson and Willem Dafoe in The Life Aquatic

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is Rated R for language, some drug use, violence and partial nudity. It features Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Anjelica Huston, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, and Jeff Goldblum. Directed by Wes Anderson. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is available here.

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Melvin Benson is the Founder, Editor-In-Chief, and Lead Host of Cinematic Doctrine. Whether it’s a movie, show, game, comic, or novel, it doesn’t matter. As long as it’s rich, he’s ready and willing to give it a try! His hope is to see King Jesus glorified as far as the east is from the west!

Melvin Benson Cinematic Doctrine Christian Movie Podcast Host

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Josee, the Tiger and the Fish – "I will not remember this film." – Cinematic Doctrine: A Movie Review Podcast Hosted by Christians

Send us a Question!PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss an underseen 2020 anime flick, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish! Why a tiger? What's the fish? Who's a Josee? All these questions – about romance, symbolism, and if the two even liked the movie – and more are answered in this finale episode to Ani-May! Tune in!Topics:(FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 35-minutes discussing how audience interests have been changing over the years, kicking things off with The Mandalorian and Grogu's weak opening box-office numbers followed by reflecting on the last few year's tentpole flicks, both socially and commercially (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)For Kathryn, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is largely innocuous and inoffensive.For Melvin, there's a few things he enjoyed but otherwise thought the film "wasn't my thing".Too much melodrama drowns out quiet romantic moments.Melvin, "All the stuff that's working is crowded out by stuff that's annoying."Breaking down the title and what each part of it means.The ending, and how the third act is really messy.Melvin feels like a particular plot development is a little too mean when considering the character's background and possible maturity.Recommendations:Tales from the Umbrella Academy: You Look Like Death (2021) (Graphic Novel)Dead Grandma (2026) (Short Film) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & PinsSocial Links: ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

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Melvin Benson

Melvin Benson is the Founder, Executive Editor, and Lead Host of Cinematic Doctrine, a mature, millennial-infused film/tv discussion podcast influenced by Acts 17 and Romans 2:4. His hope is to see King Jesus glorified as far as the east is from the west!