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DEEP BLUE Send This Review to a Friend
The glories of marine life are explored fascinatingly in the documentary “Deep Blue,” a riveting look below the surface of the planet’s oceans. Deep is the proper word, for the climactic segment of the film is the startling array of unusual sea creatures of many varieties as the explorers in their special, sophisticated vehicles work their way down to a depth of some 15,000 feet where there is no sunlight and the specimens provide their own glow.
“Deep Blue” stems from the BBC television series, “The Blue Planet.” One of its creators, Alastair Fothergill, is director and writer of the film together with Andy Byatt. Pierce Brosnan narrates in lofty tones to pretentiously drive home the importance the filmmakers attempt to stress.
One theme that runs throughout is the hunt for food, and just as animal films show lions on the prowl for their victims, “Deep Blue” has dramatic footage of whales feasting on sea lions, dolphins and sharks after schools of sardines and polar bears hunting for prey in ice holes.
The film cuts a wide geographical swath of underwater discovery, with the use of 20 camera teams, 200 locations and choosing from more than 7,000 hours of footage. The work extended over five years. The result is accompanied by the Berlin Philharmonic playing a lush score by George Fenton.
The dazzling array of creatures, large and tiny, underscores the concern for the environment in the narrative. “Deep Blue” increases awareness of the underwater world yet to be probed and marvels at the wonder and mystery of it all. A Miramax Pictures release.
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