film review of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou by Wes Anderson
write a “quality˝ film review of a film watched in class – similar to one of those read and analyzed in class. Your verdict of the film is of minor importance – what matters is how you develop your point and the way you present it to your readers. Although we have read reviews by well-known, established reviewers that use the first person singular, for this writing exercise please refrain from using any “I“-s. Instead, take the courage to present your verdict as objective. A good review is as much of an art work as a short story or a film.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Film Review: “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” by Wes Anderson
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, directed by the renowned Wes Anderson, is a visually stunning and whimsically eccentric film that takes audiences on a unique and captivating underwater adventure. With its distinctive storytelling style and compelling characters, this film offers a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and introspection.
Beginning with a catchy first sentence that catches the reader’s attention, we dive into the fascinating world of “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” Set against the backdrop of the ocean, this film explores the life of Steve Zissou (played by Bill Murray), a renowned oceanographer and documentary filmmaker. The film’s premise centers around Zissou’s quest to exact revenge on the elusive and mythical jaguar shark, which devoured his longtime partner Esteban (Seymour Cassel).
Moving on to a description of the film’s details, it is important to note that “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Cate Blanchett as journalist Jane Winslett-Richardson and Willem Dafoe as Zissou’s loyal but eccentric crew member Klaus Daimler. Released in 2004, this film showcases Anderson’s signature visual style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and vibrant color palettes.
The second paragraph serves as a brief retelling of the plot, avoiding major spoilers. Zissou embarks on his journey aboard the Belafonte, his iconic research vessel, accompanied by his estranged wife Eleanor (Anjelica Huston), a pregnant journalist, and a diverse crew of quirky individuals. As they face various obstacles and encounter unexpected adventures, the film unravels themes of loss, redemption, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
The third and fourth paragraphs aim to support the verdict of the film. Anderson’s direction in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is masterful, utilizing a range of visual techniques to create a whimsical and immersive experience. The film’s distinct production design and meticulously crafted sets contribute to its unique aesthetic appeal. Anderson’s narrative strategies, such as the use of animated sea creatures and stop-motion animation, further enhance the film’s charm.
Moreover, the film showcases Anderson’s ability to create complex and endearing characters. Bill Murray delivers a captivating performance as Steve Zissou, perfectly capturing his disillusionment and vulnerability beneath his eccentricity. The ensemble cast brings depth and humor to their respective roles, creating a dynamic and entertaining ensemble.
In conclusion, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is a remarkable film that mesmerizes audiences with its distinctive visual style, quirky characters, and heartfelt storytelling. Wes Anderson’s direction elevates the film to be more than just an adventure-comedy; it delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the exploration of one’s inner self. This cinematic gem is a testament to Anderson’s unique vision and artistic prowess.
Whether you are a fan of Anderson’s previous works or simply seeking an enchanting film that blends comedy and drama seamlessly, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is a must-watch. Its imaginative storytelling and visually stunning execution make it an enjoyable experience for both cinephiles and casual viewers alike. Prepare to be immersed in a world where whimsy meets introspection, as you embark on this aquatic journey alongside Steve Zissou and his crew.
