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The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

2004, Movie, R, 118 mins

I was listening to the DVD ...

Jacques who?: Bill Murray

Question: I was listening to the DVD commentary for The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and noticed that when cowriters Noah Baumbach and Wes Anderson discussed inspirations for the character of Zissou, the name was bleeped out. I'm guessing they were saying "Jacques Cousteau," but regardless of whether or not I'm right, why was the commentary censored? Answer: They were clearly saying "Jacques Cousteau," and my best guess is that Miramax Home Entertainment's legal department counseled bleeping the name. Not because there's any legal reason you can't mention a person's name, particularly that of a famous person, but because there may have been concern about potential legal actions stemming from the claim that The Life Aqu read more

Bill Murray's Miserable Life

In The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Bill Murray stars as an egotistical underwater adventurer who has relationship issues with his wife, long-lost son, and pretty much his whole crew. Turns out, there's a lot of misery behind the movie's comedy. While Murray was interested in reteaming with his Royal Tennenbaums director, Wes Anderson, the 54-year-old was very unhappy during the several months they spent filming on location in Italy. "I was physically and emotionally drained, not just from the work," Murray sighs. "It was a torturous experience to be away from home for that long. I hated going to work. I was so personally miserable that it was really a challenge to work every day because I was just so lonely and missed my [family] so much. It was what I imagine being in prison is like." While most of his Zissou co-stars say they got close, Murray has a rather cynical take on the setside camaraderie. "It was like a famil read more

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