The Odyssey * * *

 I saw this one at the French Film Festival.  It's the story of Jacques Cousteau, which is a story worth telling.  I’m surprised it hasn’t been done before (maybe it has). Jacques Cousteau was instrumental in the invention of the aqualung.  He had immense fame in the 60’s and 70's for his films on marine biology and underwater terrain. Like many entrepreneurs with a vision he was not the type to let legal suits and threats of bankruptcy get in his way.

Cousteau talks to the lawyers

    This is a nicely done, pleasing production: though when you compare it to the creativity of a biography like Steve Jobs it comes across as rather unadventurous. Workmanlike might be the word. Nevertheless watching it remains a satisfying experience.

    I didn’t know much about him and his family, but felt quite informed at the end of the film. And I was impressed, not only by his extraordinary achievements, but by the beautiful turn-around in his life as he changed from a gungho adventurist wanting to conquer the ocean to an impassioned environmentalist wanting to protect and care for the ocean.

    The story suggests it was his son Philippe that turned him around, and to that end they make Odyssey a bit of  a “prodigal son” story, with Philippe exploding with indignation as he saw Jacques  compromise himself more and more.  To keep his adventures going Cousteau would take sponsorship from just about anyone.  Meanwhile Philippe was developing a strong  environmental conscience. He left the Cousteau business only to return later, but it was Jacques who had to repent and make a new beginning as an environmentalist.

    It’s an enjoyable film which does not shy away from the ruptures in the Cousteau family as his wife endured the affairs of Jacques and the younger brother felt ignored.

    The undersea photography is suitably impressive.