40 ‘Life Aquatic’ Quotes from the Underrated Cult Classic

"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" is a comedy that draws from the tragedy of one man, hellbent on avenging his deceased best friend at sea. He recruits a few of his buddies, a possible 'son,' and the crew embarks on several misadventures along the way.

"The Life Aquatic" debuted in cinemas in the mid-2000s, and despite its first audience failing to see the film's value, many now consider it a cult classic. It follows the title character who claims his best friend died at the hands (or jaws) of a rare shark and intends on returning the favor.

From his interactions with his crew members, many other issues that Steve has bottled up rise to the surface. But in the face of the several misadventures they all encounter, Steve comes out a less angry and better man. To get to know him just a little, enjoy the collection of quotes below.

A photo with the quote, ""I'm going to find it, and I'm going to destroy it. I don't know how yet. Possibly with dynamite." | Source: Amodays

Steve Zissou's Quotes

"Oh, [expletive]! Swamp leeches. Everybody, check for swamp leeches and pull them off... Nobody else got hit? I'm the only one? What's the deal?" — Steve Zissou

"Wolodarsky, go get the keys to that fishing boat, and throw them in the water. No, wait. They might have another set. Just blow it up." — Steve Zissou

"Please don't make fun of me. I just wanted to flirt with you." — Steve Zissou

"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go on an overnight drunk, and in 10 days I'm going to set out to find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it. Anyone who wants to tag along is more than welcome." — Steve Zissou

"I'm going to find it, and I'm going to destroy it. I don't know how yet. Possibly with dynamite." — Steve Zissou

A photo with the quote, "You really think it's cool for you to hit the sauce with a bun in the oven?" | source: Amodays

"You left your dog, you idiots!" — Steve Zissou

"You really think it's cool for you to hit the sauce with a bun in the oven?" — Steve Zissou

"This is an adventure." — Steve Zissou

"We were pretty good while we lasted, weren't we?" — Steve Zissou

"No, I dropped my camera... Why are they laughing?" — Steve Zissou

A photo with the quote, "I'll order you a red hat and a bikini." | Source: Amodays

"[Speaking to his wife] Anyway, I'm sorry. I know I haven't been my best this past decade." — Steve Zissou

"Go downstairs and throw a tarp over anything that says 'Operation Henessey' on it." — Steve Zissou

"I'll order you a red hat and a bikini." — Steve Zissou

"Are you finding what you were looking for... out here with me? I hope so." — Steve Zissou

"Well, I was a little upset at first. I mean, obviously, people are going to think I'm a showboat and a little bit of a prick. But then I thought... that's me. I said those things, I did those things. I can live with that. You're a good writer, Jane." — Steve Zissou

A photo with the quote, "You know, I'd be jealous about you staying at Ali's place, except I always thought he was kind of a closet queer." | Source: Amodays

"Thatta girl." — Steve Zissou

"Supposedly Cousteau and his cronies invented the idea of putting walkie-talkies into the helmet. But we made ours with a special rabbit ear on the top so we could pipe in some music." — Steve Zissou

"You know, I'd be jealous about you staying at Ali's place, except I always thought he was kind of a closet queer." — Steve Zissou

"It's probably the last adventure I've got in me. I was hopin' to go out in a flash of blazes, but I'll probably just end up goin' home." — Steve Zissou

"I don't know. Look, if you're not against me... don't cross this line. If yes, do. I love you all." — Steve Zissou

A photo with the quote, "[referring to the shark that ate his friend, Esteban] I wonder if it remembers me." | Source: Amodays

"I mean, I know I want him to think of me like a father. But the fact that there's an outside chance that he could really be my actual... biological son... is very difficult for me." — Steve Zissou

"It's probably the last adventure I've got in me. I was hopin' to go out in a flash of blazes, but I'll probably just end up goin' home." — Steve Zissou

"We complete the adventure, but another member of our crew has been lost. This one was my son. Also our equity partner. We start the voyage home in our wounded vessel." — Steve Zissou

"[introducing his 'son' Ned to Oseary Drakoulias only a few seconds after Steve himself met Ned] Oseary, this is probably my son Ned." — Steve Zissou

"[referring to the shark that ate his friend, Esteban] I wonder if it remembers me." — Steve Zissou

A photo with the dialogue, "Ned Plimpton: Stevesy, what's going on? Are those hijackers? Steve Zissou: Well, out here we call them 'pirates,' Ned." | Source: Amodays

More Quotes from 'Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou'

"[a woman asks a question about the shark Zissou is hunting]

Festival Director : [translating] That's an endangered species at most. What would be the scientific purpose of killing it?

Steve Zissou: Revenge." — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

"Jane Winslett-Richardson: Are we - are we safe in here?

Steve Zissou: I doubt it.

Klaus Daimler: Do you still want to blow him up?

Steve Zissou: No, we're out of dynamite anyway.

Eleanor Zissou: It is beautiful Steve.

Steve Zissou: Yea, it's pretty good isn't it... I wonder if it remembers me…" — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

"Ned Plimpton: Stevesy, what's going on? Are those hijackers?

Steve Zissou: Well, out here we call them 'pirates,' Ned." — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

"Ned Plimpton: Why didn't you ever try to contact me?

Steve Zissou: Because I hate fathers, and I never wanted to be one." — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

"Klaus Daimler: I'm sick of being on 'B' squad.

Steve Zissou: You might be on "B" Squad, But you're the "B" Squad leader. Don't you know me and Esteban always thought of you as our baby brother?

Klaus Daimler: I've always thought of you two as my dads. Please don't let anyone make fun of me for saying so.

Steve Zissou: I can't guarantee that, Klausie, but I'll try. Can we get on with the maneuvers now?" — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

A photo with the dialoge, "Jane Winslett-Richardson: I need to find a baby for this father. Steve Zissou: Yeah, I think I know what you mean." | Source: Amodays

"Steve Zissou : [takes a deep breath] I need some money to get the boat out of hock and rescue my bond company stooge who got kidnapped. Could we ask your parents to loan it to me?

Eleanor Zissou: No.

Steve Zissou: Okay. Could I go ahead and butter you up anyway? It took me two and a half hours to get out here." — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

"Eleanor Zissou: How are you feeling?

Steve Zissou: I'm right on the edge. I don't know what comes next." — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

"Steve Zissou: It's a documentary! It's all really happening!

Ned Plimpton: Well, it's not my field, I don't have the background for it.

Steve Zissou: No one here does. Klaus used to be a bus driver, Wolodarsky was a high school substitute teacher. We're a pack of strays, don't you get it?" — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

"What sort of expression is the lad wearing on his face?" — Oseary Drakoulias

A photo with the quote, "I'm gonna fight you, Steve!" | Source: Amodays

"We've never made great husbands, have we? Of course, I have a good excuse. I'm part gay." — Alistair Hennessey

"Thanks. Thanks a lot for not picking me." — Klaus Daimler

"I hear what you're saying, but I think you misjudge the guy." — Klaus Daimler

"Alistair: You're the most ravishing creature that I've ever seen in my life.

Eleanor: Hello Skinny.

Alistair: Hello Eleanor.

Eleanor: Is that a new merit badge?

Alistair: Oh, yeah, as a matter of fact it is. I just became a Knight in Portugal, the

Presidente gave a special ball...

Steve: Don't be nice to Ali, he's my nemesis." — "Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"

A photo with the quote, "Don't be nice to Ali, he's my nemesis." | Source: Amodays

Bill Murray, alongside Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, and Jeff Goldbum, memorably portrayed Steve Zissou in the 2004 film. Though portrayed through a comedy lens, "The Life Aquatic" sends a message about grief and all the emotions accompanied by it.

It's not every day that a person processes such a heavy experience with a voyage and finds some fraction of inner peace, especially when other internal issues arise. But with the right company and support, perhaps anything is possible.