The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Directed by: Wes Anderson

This review contains an implied Kitty Carnage Warning!

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) is a famous oceanographer and filmmaker who is surprised by the sudden appearance of a son named Ned (Owen Wilson) he never knew he had.

Cat Cattle Call: While at the Zissou Compound on Pescespada Island, numerous cats are seen on the grounds and inside the buildings. Many of them are Siamese cats.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - cat on island
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - cat on island
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cat on counter behind Jane Cate Blanchett
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cat on counter behind Jane Cate Blanchett
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cat on counter behind Jane Cate Blanchett
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - two Siamese cats on bunk above Bill Bud Cort
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cats on laps of men watching television
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cats on laps of men watching television
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cat on chair behind Steve Bill Murray

The most notable cat is seen on the lap of Zissou’s wife Eleanor (Anjelica Huston).

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cat on lap of Eleanor Anjelica Huston with Steve Bill Murray
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cat with Eleanor Anjelica Huston in bed
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Siamese cat with Eleanor Anjelica Huston in bed

Implied Kitty Carnage Warning: When Steve first arrives on the island with Ned they meet Eleanor who gives Steve the bad news that his cat Marmalade is dead. When asked what happened, Eleanor answers unemotionally, “A rattlesnake bit it in its throat.” Steve gets angry that she gave the news to him so bluntly. Ned then asks what kind of cat it was. “Who gives a shit?” Steve sighs, then adds, “I think it was a tabby.”

Final Mewsings: Who knew Siamese cats were interested in deep sea exploration?

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