Wes Anderson’s 2004 film “The Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou” provides the audience with characterisation through the use of mise-en-scene.

In particular, Anderson’s extensive use of compositional balance through centring the frame on Steve Zissou exerts his authority and leadership amongst the “Zissou team”. Emphasising this notion of a team, the members are dressed in uniform; light-blue tracksuit pants, red beanies, Adidas shoes and are given a gun to personify Zissou’s trust in them. Although the members are not consistently identical, Anderson maintains the casual attire, and accented red, yellow and blue colour palette throughout the film.

On the contrary, a neutral based colour palette are maintained in the costumes of Bill Ubell portrayed by Bud Cort and Cate Blanchett’s portrayal as the character of Jane Winslett-Richardson. This principle of contrast exhibits these characters to be non-official members of the team and reflect Zissou’s scepticism towards their motives. For instance, Blanchett’s persona as an outspoken female reporter is continuously criticised by Zissou, thus her less vibrant khaki cargo pants and neutral t-shirt or button down attire. Similarly, Cort’s character who was kidnapped by Filipino pirates and according to Zissou, is a “bond company stooge”, is dressed in khaki pants, a cream shirt, a jacket, and a plain brown tie.

Costuming also epitomises a character’s development in the film. Zissou’s nemesis Allister Hennessey’s outfits are always regal and formal, a stark contrast to Zissou’s casual and laid back persona. However, as Hennessey is saved by Zissou from the pirates, he dresses casually and eventually like Zissou and his team to symbolise his gratitude and trust in Zissou.

Ultimately, Anderson’s use of costuming allows the audience to depict the entire film through Steve Zissou’s perspective.