Magnificent, no matter which version you see

Rating: 8/10 (1 February 2005)

THE BIG BLUE (Le Grand Bleu)
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1 (Technovision)
Sound format: 6-track Dolby Stereo SR
(35mm and 70mm release prints)
Two of the world's greatest free divers (Jean-Marc Barr and Jean Reno) are divided by their competitive spirit, and their professional rivalry is further complicated when Barr falls in love with a beautiful admirer (Rosanna Arquette).
Luc Besson first expressed his love of the sea with this magical visual poem, in which the plot (Barr's struggle between physical reality and the spiritual lure of the sea) takes a back seat to the stunning widescreen visuals. The longer version - currently available on home video worldwide - simply extends the existing plot without adding anything new or significant to proceedings, and while some will find the extended print lumbering and awkward in places, others will relish the spiritual dimension invested in every frame. In fact, the only thing more beautiful than the scenery itself is Barr, who almost steals the show from bombastic Gallic superstar Reno. Almost, but not quite.
The movie was photographed with anamorphic Technovision lenses, credited as 'CinemaScope' on-screen. Besson returned to the aquatic theme with ATLANTIS (1991), a non-narrative celebration of the ocean depths.
(English version)