George had some exciting news when we saw him on Sunday in New York: he’d seen the trailer for The Life Aquatic at the theater the night before. It was finally posted online yesterday, and though the quality is pretty horrific – thanks, Windows Media ‘Player’ – it provides a pretty tempting glimpse of what’s to come. I’ve been keeping an eye on the news of the film, and this is the first element of what will probably be a pretty big build-up.

A lot of elements in the trailer weren’t surprising, like the ensemble cast, the choice music (great call on the New Order song), and a storyline having something to do with family issues. Bill Murray looks terrific in his Cousteau red knit cap, and the trailer moves along well, not giving away too much of the film. Some new faces are present, plus the non-American locale and the Henry Selick animation, as well as the most foreboding element, a co-writing credit for Noah Baumbach. I was surprised to see they’re going with the entire, lengthy title, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou; I was sure it’d be trimmed. Some questions: is it pronounced “Zee-sou” like “pea-soup”? Or “Zissou” like “miss you”? Both pronunciations are heard in the trailer. And does Willem Dafoe do the narration in the film, a la Alec Baldwin in The Royal Tenenbaums, in addition to his role on screen, or his his voiceover heard only in the trailer? If so, and even if not so, does his character have an English accent in the film? It sure sounds like it – not a good sign. I’m excited at the prospects for the film – heck, I’m even excited at the prospect of getting to see the trailer in Quicktime – and I look forward to seeing it, apparently around Christmastime.