Steve Zissou, sea-film auteur a la Jacques Cousteau, has reason to be melancholy: his partner has been eaten, perhaps by a mythic jaguar shark, his wife may be taking up with her ex-husband, a young man appears claiming Steve is his father (Steve hates fathers), his most recent films have tanked, he's having trouble raising money for his venture to revenge his partner, and he's attracted to a pregnant reporter who prefers the pretender. At sea, in pursuit of the shark, will he escape pirates and mutiny, forge the bonds of fatherhood, place his arm around his wife, find the monster of the deep, re-establish box office hegemony, and discover a reason to smile?

Gwyneth Paltrow was originally set to play Jane Winslett-Richardson, but couldn't because of schedule conflicts. Nicole Kidman expressed interest and Wes Anderson hired her. Kidman was forced to bow out due to other commitments, and Julianne Moore requested the role. However, it eventually went to Cate Blanchett. Anderson admitted the character name was inspired by actress Kate Winslet. Blanchett played the part while actually pregnant.

Steve Zissou:
We'll split into two groups. I'll take Ned, Ogata, and Wolodarsky.


Klaus Daimler:
[pouting] Thanks. Thanks a lot for not picking me.

Revealing mistakes: During the deserted island hotel scene, a red vehicle can be seen traveling in the background behind the hotel.

from Innerspace
Written and Performed by Sven Libaek
Courtesy of Ron Taylor Film Productions