Haunting Rite of Passage Film - MILD SPOILER

Rating: 8/10 (22 May 2008)

In The Big Blue, brilliant writer/director Luc Besson (Leon, Nikita, The Fifth Element) weaves together romance, comedy and a very serious treatment of disturbing psychological themes (fear of commitment, detachment, refusal of responsibility) into a powerful post-modern drama. Many people see very different themes in this film, but it is essentially a story about growing up (rather late in life) and falling in love. Personally, I found it more disturbing than most of the film's fans.
The Big Blue is the story of two boyhood friends - Enzo (Jean Reno) and Jacques (Jean-Marc Barr) - and American insurance claims inspector Johanna (Rosanna Arquette). Jacques and Enzo grow up by the sea in Greece and are very competitive with each other, but share a genuine friendly affection for each other. Johanna falls in love with the psychologically damaged Jacques... Essentially, the plot is about a man who is in love with competition (Enzo), a disturbed man in love with the sea (Jacques) and a woman in love with a man who can not seem to face adulthood with the same fearlessness he approaches deep dive competition. The film centers on annual deep-diving competitions and a budding romance between Jacques and Johanna.
Johanna is the most sympathetic character, and Besson stops just shy of telling the story from her perspective. She comes to represent redemption and salvation for the tragically damaged Jacques, and wants nothing more for him (and Enzo too) than a happy life.
The cast is excellent. The three principal castmembers give remarkable performances. Barr, who, at times, resembles Keanu Reeves, lends a subtly powerful interpretation to his role. Reno, who obviously likes his character, brings the vital Enzo to vivid life. Johanna may be the under-appreciated Rosanna Arquette's best role.
The film is nicely shot, and many reviewers have commented on the lovely underwater scenes with dolphins. Personally, I felt that these scenes went on for too long, and eventually felt gratuitous.