Becoming Cousteau (2021)
While the true exploration of the outside galaxy might be left to future generations, the earth has provided a mysterious and sometimes dangerous world to explore with the ocean. For many, even if they are not aware of it their interest and curiosity for the area can be traced back to the works of the legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Not only did Cousteau revolutionize the technical side of ocean exploration but through his filmmaking, he connected his passion and work to audiences on a global scale. Screening as part of the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, Liz Garbus's newest documentary Becoming Cousteau brings audiences through his career and just how powerful his voice was.
While many biopics suffer from feeling boring and dry, Becoming Cousteau is anything but. Utilizing a strong aesthetic along with inspired artistic decisions specifically within the film's vibrant use of color, the film carries the same sense of magic that Cousteau's work did. There is an inviting and charming sense of wonder that creates a feeling of childhood wonder that elevates the viewing experience. The documentary is fun while maintaining its meaningful backbone truly giving the legendary figure the attention and justice he deserves.
It also helps that the film has so much content to work with. From a wide array of videos from Cousteau's career to written journal entries offering a unique glimpse into his mindset, the personality and humanity of Cousteau feel authentic and seen within the project. Even with modern subjects, this isn't always the case as seen with films like Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain which are forced to take unique yet controversial steps to create an engaging narrative told by the subject it is featuring. Becoming Cousteau is lucky in this sense but also clearly talented in its editing from Pax Wassermann and direction by Liz Garbus in how it puts all of its content together into a competent final package that is clean at only 93-minutes.
Beyond just that of a biopic, Becoming Cousteau also carries an important message. Playing wildly well as a companion piece with Sally Aitken's Valerie Taylor biopic Playing With Sharks from earlier this year; Becoming Cousteau becomes a tale of self-realization and inner redemption in the form of environmental conservation. Just as Taylor felt a weight placed on her after seeing the aftermath of Jaws on the public image of sharks, Cousteau feels a weight placed upon him as he discovers the pollution of the oceans and he dedicates his life to ending the issue. In an objective sense not feeling tied to any underlying political motive or message, Becoming Cousteau becomes a rather impactful look both at the destruction of the world's oceans but also the deeper responsibility of using one's voice to push for positive change. Cousteau had a life defined by his ability to inspire others and now was not just pushing for the exploration of the ocean but something much more serious: the saving of it. This affects his life as a researcher, public figure, artist, and human. Seeing this within the film provides a worthwhile extra layer to the final half of the film of which only could be achieved within the documentary genre.
Overall it is hard to look at Becoming Cousteau as anything but a major success. The film uses exceptionally strong filmmaking which isn't afraid to take risks and create a unique voice of its own to give the legendary figure a deserved comprehensive capturing of his work and legacy. It is impossible not to feel inspired by the piece and overall when it comes to the biopic documentary genre, this has to be seen as one of the stronger entries from recent years.
While many biopics suffer from feeling boring and dry, Becoming Cousteau is anything but. Utilizing a strong aesthetic along with inspired artistic decisions specifically within the film's vibrant use of color, the film carries the same sense of magic that Cousteau's work did. There is an inviting and charming sense of wonder that creates a feeling of childhood wonder that elevates the viewing experience. The documentary is fun while maintaining its meaningful backbone truly giving the legendary figure the attention and justice he deserves.
It also helps that the film has so much content to work with. From a wide array of videos from Cousteau's career to written journal entries offering a unique glimpse into his mindset, the personality and humanity of Cousteau feel authentic and seen within the project. Even with modern subjects, this isn't always the case as seen with films like Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain which are forced to take unique yet controversial steps to create an engaging narrative told by the subject it is featuring. Becoming Cousteau is lucky in this sense but also clearly talented in its editing from Pax Wassermann and direction by Liz Garbus in how it puts all of its content together into a competent final package that is clean at only 93-minutes.
Beyond just that of a biopic, Becoming Cousteau also carries an important message. Playing wildly well as a companion piece with Sally Aitken's Valerie Taylor biopic Playing With Sharks from earlier this year; Becoming Cousteau becomes a tale of self-realization and inner redemption in the form of environmental conservation. Just as Taylor felt a weight placed on her after seeing the aftermath of Jaws on the public image of sharks, Cousteau feels a weight placed upon him as he discovers the pollution of the oceans and he dedicates his life to ending the issue. In an objective sense not feeling tied to any underlying political motive or message, Becoming Cousteau becomes a rather impactful look both at the destruction of the world's oceans but also the deeper responsibility of using one's voice to push for positive change. Cousteau had a life defined by his ability to inspire others and now was not just pushing for the exploration of the ocean but something much more serious: the saving of it. This affects his life as a researcher, public figure, artist, and human. Seeing this within the film provides a worthwhile extra layer to the final half of the film of which only could be achieved within the documentary genre.
Overall it is hard to look at Becoming Cousteau as anything but a major success. The film uses exceptionally strong filmmaking which isn't afraid to take risks and create a unique voice of its own to give the legendary figure a deserved comprehensive capturing of his work and legacy. It is impossible not to feel inspired by the piece and overall when it comes to the biopic documentary genre, this has to be seen as one of the stronger entries from recent years.