MovieChat Forums > The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) Discussion > Wes Anderson's Best Film?

Wes Anderson's Best Film?

posted 10 years ago by sheagallagher
38 replies | jump to latest

I would say this is possibly Wes Anderson's best movie. Rushmore is my favourite, but that's more for personal reasons. I think The Life Aquatic is his most versatile film as it covers the elements teased in all his prior films, as well as adding more to the mixture

-The caper aspect of Bottle Rocket.
- The rivalry between Max and Herman Blume in Rushmore is similar to that of Steve Zissou and Hennesey, and the father-son relationship is present in both movies.
- Zissou is much like Royal in the respect that he is an aging fellow who craves respect and appreciation.

I haven't really given great examples but does anybody see what I'm getting at? Anyone care to share ideas?

[–] christopher1972 9 years ago

It's definitely my favorite Anderson movie, and criminally underrated. I have too many favorite parts to name. It's got a lot of heart, which a lot of critics didn't get.

[–] ozdes 9 years ago

A Life Aquatic is one of my favorite movies and I'd say it ties with Fantastic Mr Fox.
The last scene with the Tiger Shark, Sigur Ros' soundtrack and the final support and belief from all in the sub brings tears every time.

[–] maximumcomedy 9 years ago

I find that whatever one I just watched is the best one and that's the best thing about his films. The fact that all of them a completely different yet the same and all equally as good.

But my personal preference is just a bit more towards Rushmore and the Royal tennenbaums.

[–] rainofwalrus 9 years ago

I'm a waterman from Oahu and one of my favorites of all-time is Besson's Le grand bleu (1988), so my [nod of complete agreement] comes with a warning of extreme bias.

There is something ridiculously lovable about TLA. And it's more than La Mer. Or even Jeff Goldblum, but I admit he helps.

Enjoy these words, for one day they'll be gone... All of them.

[–] OldSamVimes 8 years ago

Or even Jeff Goldblum, but I admit he helps.

BE STILL CODY!!

[–] rainofwalrus 8 years ago

BE STILL CODY!!

Such a classic scene.

Enjoy these words, for one day they'll be gone... All of them.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] donbizzaro 8 years ago

I agree. But a tough call. Certainly top 3.

We are the music are the music makers... we are the dreamers of dreams.

[–] keithkat 8 years ago

I think this is his best so far too although I love most of his films.

[–] DarthRoger (867) 6 years ago

I love The Life Aquatic, Rushmore, Moonrise Kingdom. I have not yet seen The Darjeeling Limited or The Grand Budapest Hotel. The Royal Tenebaums is probably my least favorite but I still liked it.

Anderson's movies have the look and feel of a colorful storybook. The characters are rich, interesting, fun and flawed.

I've re-watched the Life Aquatic many times and it's still wondrous with each viewing. Bill Murray is the man!