Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

It’s Christmas, New Years Eve and Groundhog Day – all wrapped up in to one in movie-geek land. Yes folks – there’s a new Wes Anderson movie being released on December 1st and it’s called The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. In addition to cast staples Angelica Huston, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson, Wes Anderson’s ever-growing following as a filmmaker has enabled him to land more heavies this time around. Willem DaFoe, Michael Gambon (The new Dumbledore), Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum round out the cast. Anderson alumni Gweneth Paltrow (The Royal Tannenbaums) and Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) were slated to participate but couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts they vehemently tried to get out of.

The movie was originally entitled simply “The Life Aquatic” – Steve Zissou is the name of Murray’s character – and many people whom have yet to leave their parent’s basement have been left scratching their heads as to why the title was changed. You know that decision wasn’t handed down from the marketing department. Yikes.

Much like Scorcese before him, Anderson likes to work with the same core group of actors over and over again – an ensemble if you will – and they, in turn, line up and change their schedules to work with him. It shows through in the finished product, and Wes has done as much for the careers of Bill Murray and the Wilson brothers (more actually) as they have done for him. His first film, Bottle Rocket, was the first noteable movie Luke and Owen were ever in – the three of them are very old friends.

And let’s face it, Bill Murray was in a bit of a slump before his brilliant turn as Herman Blume in Rushmore. As much as we all loved The Man Who Knew Too Little (sarcasm duly noted, I’m sure) his career has been on the upswing ever since he first locked horns with Max Fischer.

Alright – so I’ll just come out and say it. I’ll be there – as I was for the Tannenbaums – at the first matinee on opening day. I should also come right out and say that it comes as no shock I’m still single. Thank you.

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