The Big Blue

The Big Blue, released in 1988, presents an intriguing cinematic experience - an otherworldly combination of dreamy visuals, entrancing storytelling, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Éric Serra. Helmed by the iconic French filmmaker Luc Besson, who is renowned for his knack for crafting unconventional narratives bridled with deep human emotions, The Big Blue strikes a fine balance between human drama and the overwhelming transcendence of nature.

At the axis of this beautiful reverie is the tale of two friends, Jacques Mayhol (Jean-Marc Barr) and Enzo Molinari (Jean Reno), who share a rivalry and an irresistible lure towards the ocean. Both men are feverishly passionate about deep-sea diving, though they indulge in the extreme sport for uniquely individual reasons. Jacques is portrayed as a man more at ease underwater than on land, using the depth of the sea as a tool for introspection and a means to escape the humdrum of human existence. Enzo, on the other hand, is a flamboyant daredevil, someone who measures his every achievement against the yardstick of victory, with the nested ambition of being the "best of the best".

Spurring the drama and adding an additional emotional layer to the narrative is the character of Johana Baker, portrayed enchantingly by Rosanna Arquette. Johana crosses paths with Jacques during one of his dives and is instantly attracted to his unique blend of stoic tranquility and feminine vulnerability. Despite their differences in nature and lifestyle, they share an indelible bond, navigating the turbulent waves of love and companionship. This intricate triangular dynamic between Jacques, Enzo, and Johana forms the crux of the movie's plot.

The Big Blue sets itself apart with its majestic underwater sequences, meticulously filmed by underwater cinematographer Al Giddings. It captures the spellbinding ocean in all its might and beauty, presenting an evocative exploration of the human relationship with the sea.

Besson's almost mystical reverence for the sea is palpable throughout the film. The blown-up, surreal blues of the water scenes reflect Jacques' spiritual connect with the ocean, prompting viewers to experience his powerful connection viscerally. The Big Blue transports you to a realm of startling tranquility beneath the waves, echoing Jacques' resounding solitude and his longing for immersion with the big blue.

As their competition intensifies, the rivalry between Jacques and Enzo gets mirrored against the boundless backdrop of the ocean. Through Jean-Marc Barr and Jean Reno's remarkable performances, the audience gets a glimpse into the obsession that drives their characters to the edge of human limitation. The film poses many philosophical questions, through Jacques' perspective, about human existence, freedom, and the inexhaustible lure of the unknown.

Lending a humane touch to the narrative is Rosanna Arquette's Johana, representing the viewer's perspective in the midst of Jacques and Enzo's extreme passions. She strums the cords of longing, confusion, and love with as much authenticity as possible. Her struggle and subsequent reconciliation with Jacques' relationship with the sea add depth to their complicated romance.

Apart from the brilliant performances from its lead actors, the other star of The Big Blue is its evocative score. Eric Serra's haunting melodies underscore the film's ebb and flow, amplifying the emotional depth of the storyline. Each note lends itself to the viewers' experience, creating an otherworldly soundscape that is as vast and mysterious as the ocean itself.

In summary, The Big Blue is a cinematic masterpiece that carries Luc Besson's signature brand of storytelling — a blend of intense human drama, thriller, and a deep investigation of human aspirations. It is a captivating exploration of human connection with nature and our relentless quest for understanding the enigma that goes far beyond our palpable reality. It's a poignant tale of friendship, an exploration of passion, a study in obsession and a love letter to the ocean. It's a film where the sea is not just a backdrop, but a character in itself, shaping and being shaped by the characters it engulfs. The Big Blue is more than a movie — it's an odyssey into the self and the universe beyond.