I was mesmerized by this movie over 20 years ago and I’ve never forgotten how it left me feeling. I didn’t see him go back to the surface so I must’ve saw the European version. Tragically beautiful ending. Still love it. Thank you for elaborating on this last scene I’ve thought about it for many years.
The big blue is one of my all time favorite movies. The open ending is nesecary! Also, agree, it’s ridiculous that hollywood can’t even put out movies with an open ending. God forbid we might use our imagination. When i was young i would always “free dive” in the deep end of the public pool. About 4 meters, and just lay flat on my back... i still remember that peaceful feeling exactly as you say it. It also struck me od at the time that the longer i’d lay there, the less concerned i felt about breathing and a zen state just naturally finds you... My 2 cents on the movie ending... 1: if you give animals a cagefree life, they’ll love you forever, and much deeper than a housecat that somehow knows it depends on your food for survival. -its his girlfriend that pulls the cord, allowing Mayol his freedom... 2: Mayol himself said in the movie: sometimes it is hard to find a good enough reason to resurface... -A: he loves the girl. -B: he has an unborn child coming. He lives. Weater the dolphin is imaginary or real... all throughout the movie he swims with them, and they never dive him down, they bring him up, or swim level below the surface. Alternatively; i’ve sought enlightenment too, and feel in a similar state as Mayol in the end, but i recognise just like established jogis, we can CHOSE to stay, and help others reach this hightened state too.
This move has always been one of my all time, iconic movies and I really connected with Jacques Mayol and his journey. It was so tragic when he took his own life in 2001. I was stunned and so very sad but I am also very understanding that he finally was at peace in his heart, no more suffering. In many ways, the movie really did fully represent him. Thank you for this video.
For the sake of not getting political, I won't go into detail about how the American version would end today. I'll have to watch The Big Blue. Enjoyed The Deepest Breath which brought me here
Enzo told Johana: ”Don’t think of Jacque as a human being, he is from another world” I think that explains pretty well why he chose what he did at the end.
The ending of "The Big Blue" is very clear and simple. It is a suicide. Jacques doesn't want to go on with his life. He just feels that it's time to go. And when he says that THERE is a better place than HERE, it is not the bottom of the sea that he's talking of.
There's a title on the soundtrack named 'Homo Delphinus' and imo that's the best, most accurate description of Jacques' true nature. So no, he does not commit suicide, instead he transforms into what he really is; it's not death, it's birth.
He became a creature of the sea, he was bleeding from his nose etc. on the surface with the bed scene, it was reversed, he was no longer able to live on the surface.
The Big Blue is without any doubt One of my favourite movies ever. I have seen it more than 20 Times.... And don't get enough... I still Search for it and learnning about it ,like i did now with you. I Saw it for the first time 30 years ago.... I AM still in love with it. 💯
Very deep movie. Such a great film and I have loved this for a very long time as I remember my mum renting this in 1989. I had the soundtrack on my Spotify this morning and it is incredible
One of the deepest movies I have ever seen! 💓 Just the end of the European version blows your mind! 😳🤯😨😰😢 Éric Serra's music simply for me made this movie a masterpiece 👌😊
hi Andrzej! thanks for bringing that to our attention. I hadn't even thought about this. It's for sure an important something to take into accout! Cheers
You gotta consider also something strong, that the original phrase "It's better down there" was pronounced in the real world by Mayol... But also after the death of his wife, and it's well know that he went through depression states several times, depression that ended with the way he died... So.. although the phrase for many of us it's absolute understandable, because been down there remove us from all the tensions of the external world and bring us back what it seems an autonomous peaceful state that the outside seems to alter. What Mayol seems to refer with that phrase is a state of where he use a truth of the underwater world to hide a sadness that he no longers find something valuable in the outside world, expressed through his depression... And the logic of the statement is clear. I have felt similar, but also the external world has incredible joys, it's really sad what happened to a legend like Mayol, but as a Human Being we are complex and that doesn't kill his legacy
'The Big Blue' certainly romanticized Mayol's life shamelessly. As I understand it, he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He would never have 'swam off with the dolphins' as the end of the film suggests. Although, I suppose it would have bee too depressing to see what actually happened to him. In spite of these reservations, I still found 'The Big Blue' immensely inspiring at the time I first saw it around 1988. Free diving was pretty much an unknown outsider sport in Australia back then. No courses, no training, nothing. You just had to learn from books, videos, trial and error, hoping you might survive any 'errors'.
The romantic part of the movie is very poorly made IMO. It's done so artificially and forcedly that I just couldn't sympathize with either Jacques or his girlfriend.
Totally agree! Watch the short EU version… its a completely different movie! Simply portrays Jacques as this man living within its own world, struggling (or even not caring sometimes) to relate with other human beings.
I think that in your very professional critique you miss the mystical subcontext of Besson's film. As noted elsewhere, I believe (or would like to believe) the dolphin in the final scene is the same animal he rescued, repaying his kindness and returning him to the surface (as is clearly seen in the US version). The entire film flirts with the mystical nature of the deeps, though, as well as to our aquatic evolutionary stage and rapport with our sea-born mammalian cousins. Truly a beautiful, spiritual film.
Gert, the big blue is certainly in your eyes too! Very interesting explanation en exhaustive too. To dive so deep ... I consider it an extreme sport, it frightens me even from here from my chair, not even facing the ocean... The Big Blue made well-deserved history. Thank you for sharing your explanation on the final scene. Best wishes from Australia!
My favorite diving moving is definitely "The Big Blue" Director's Cut. 2nd is "The Deep" (1977). 3rd favorite would have to be "The Abyss" (1989), though I'm not sure if it's considered a true diving film since the characters are not really diving but are more less just working underwater, but still a great film.
Le Grand bleu actually is my fav (under water) movie. Never seen the american end, I prefer the French version. Thank you for explaining the narcosis. 👌🏻
I saw this when it first came out with my boyfriend who adored this film. We both did. Every few years I watch it. I have it on VHS! My sister and I are obsessed with it as well. We’d laugh and say how Rosanne Arquette had the most beautiful co-actors in her early career. He’s our favorite. Jean- Marc- Barr. This is my favorite diving movie; I introduce it to people I am close to. This is what had led me to your video. Can’t find it to stream it seems. Jean Reno’s is not dead! 🤦🏻♀️
This video made me a new subscriber to your channel, The Big Blue is my favorite movie of all, this is how I'm in love with the Sea and freediving. awesome content you share, congrats
I dive sometimes. I used to freedive more when I was younger.. but anyways I understand this that it is better down there. It is so peaceful in the water. It's a different world, meditative. Next summer I'm going to fall in love with the ocean, once again.
I'm sorry for you if you think the end of the movie is a sad one. Try to alter your perspective, then maybe you'll be able to see the real beauty of it.
I had no exposure to free diving as a kid, but grew up reading and re-reading "the silent world". The first time I saw this movie I was already into deep air diving and beginning to experiment with trimix (with no training, or tables). I understood the feelings, and felt like I was seeing something of myself on screen for the first time. I'd never felt any connection or common ground with any screen hero before. I saw Enzo's bravado as the bravado I'd put on, as needed, and saw the real Enzo only in the last scene, the quiet lost boy inside that wants to be taken down. I saw Jaques' difficulty in finding the surface to be real, reflecting my own difficulty. It seemed only down there is life real. Here on the surface is just the between time, waiting to be alive again.
This movie has some very strong elements of fantasy in it, as well as some mythology. That line when Enzo says that Jacques is not really a man but is a fish, that right there is a very key part of this movie. That is when we are given a hint that Jacques might not be just a man. And the ending is the proof of that, that moment when we finally realize that is is a merman.
As a scuba diver this is my #1 film of all time and have lost count of how many times I watched it. I had no idea that a US version existed where he survived. How utterly lame and how dare they change the soundtrack. There are many clues throughout the film that Jacque is more fish than human and doesn't really understand the world above the surface. For that reason he finally realises that he must go and 'see'. There is no doubt in my mind that he doesn't come up again and he doesn't die.
I was only exposed to the U.S. version yet I never thought he survived even with the extra bit with the dolphins, he’s not coming back. I’m partial to the Bill Conti score because that’s the movie I fell in love with. When I do finally show this to my son, I’ll have a tough decision to make. Much like Blade Runner, which is improved by the Final Cut, it was still the first version with narration we all originally fell in love with. Can’t dispute that.
I have watched this movie numerous times. I have never seen the scene of him talking on the phone to his girlfriend about mermaids!! Definitely explains ending better.
Very good movie I have so much respect for Jacques because he did what I should have done 20 years ago. Dived to the bottom of the ocean rather than get married 👍
It's not about free diving! It's about the human spirit. Enzo and Jacques are two parts of a single person. Enzo is the material: diving is a challenge and effort for him, a matter of pride, loves family and pasta and parties, crafty, experienced, etc. Jacques is the spiritual: diving comes easy and natural to him, without pride, without family, innocent in matters of the world, part of a dolphin family. The sea is where one goes at death -- Jacques' father and Enzo depart there, the trapped diver early on almost died there. The dolphins inhabit that zone. In the end, they come to get Jacques at depth. Being the spirit, he swims off with them. He could not remain because his material counterpart, Enzo, was already gone.
The Big Blue is one my favorite movies. I have seen both versions including directors cut. I’m going with the romantic ending - the dolphin he had rescued, rescues him. He swims off with his dolphin and lives happily ever after.
I saw the American version first as a kid. And I saw the original european version much later on. I thought he died in the American version also. The surface could be like an afterlife. That being said, I loved Bill Conti's pan flute theme song.
I loved your opinion about the movie and your explanaition about this sport. But, in my opinion about the movie, Jacques dosent die. That dolphin in the end was Enzo. Just as Enzo, Jacques becames a dolphin too.
Beginning of the movie Jaques father dies on the water. The tragedy set the stage with his infatuation with death his whole life. He was born with a natural gift of holding his breath. So his whole life he made his living with that one skill he had. Growing up an orphan his adopted "family" were dolphins, he felt natural kinship with. When being reunited with his old childhood friend Enso he was thrusted into the world of Diving Competition with the one kid that used to bully him. Jaques unique ability and a lifetime of working While holding his breath gave him A big advantage, Enso died trying to beat Jaques record. The sea he loves has now claimed Both his father and his friend. So he has to see "what's down there". He's prepared to die. And says his goodbyes. But at the bottom in the darkness. He finds NOTHING. The Dolphin he rescues and saves earlier in the film finds Jaques and rescues Jaques from death . Jaques holds on to his friend.. and the Dolphin takes Jaques back to the surface. The END. How can you not be romantic about the ocean 💙
Visiting Jacques Monument recently, I was thinking a lot about his death. It's hard to understand why he hang himself and did mit choose the death in the film. Might be, He didn't want to follow the film, but als breathing was Importamt to him, a death by suffocation was approriate. But don't forget, he was sick by psych. depression.
This movie changed my childhood. Love your explanation....but honestly, I never though it was important if he would have survived or not in the real situation. To me, it sounds like wondering if Pinochio could actually become a real boy from a biological perspective. Thanks anyway for a great great video! Well done.
Great analysis! I had not idea he died in the European version. Where can we find the Bill Conti version of this film? I’m so connected to that music it’s hard to watch without it.
Probably the morve I've watched to most, 20x at least. To me according to my mood when I watch there are 2 ways to see the ending: - He goes after what he loves the most forgetting what's above the surface. - Dolphins generally go at max 50m under the surface and need to take their breath after 7 to 10 min. Jacques is just playing as usual
To me he dies, in his happy - yet somewhat cursed - place. As you say, his vision of things is probably influenced by narcosis etc which he clearly suffers from and also he's had enough of 'our' world. He's not fine. So he kills himself. I'm saddened to see Eric Serra is not the chosen one for the American version because what a gorgeous soundtrack.
What ? The music is a pivotal part of this movie, and the Besson/Serra collaboration is irreplaceable. What music did the Mericans put ? I’m almost too afraid to ask. The truth is I’m still shocked by this info.
It s a beautiful ending. Never needed an explaination. When i was 8 years old i thought he had a meeting with a dolphin/// at 40 the explanatiion is the same meaning dedication for the sea and Abyss and the only ending is objecting to others and welcoming // or entering your dream and get ride of society.. passion and dedication without following any rule but what you think you are. Far from mayol and apnea ....this is moovie about being free. Freeddiving is a example of it.
For me he didnt die I remember a scene where he is talking with Matilda explaing how mermaids take you when you are in the dark of the sea so for me mermaids take him
Yes I'm American. Is that why I like seeing the guy get the girl and live happily ever after, maybe. But even watching the American version is pretty obvious he dies. What I love most about the American version is the soundtrack, the music. The other music pales by comparison. I'm curious what Europeans think about the American music soundtrack for the big blue.
As a european, I have only seen the original movie with Eric Serra score. This very score was even bought by people who had not watched the movie, simply appreciating this music itself. It sold so well. This proves that the original score is good. I personally heard a few notes from bill conti score. It was so different. It took me out of the feeling I was in for the same movie scene. This proves that once you are used to a score, you stick to it because you printed your feelings on it. Comparison is a fool's trap, to translate roughly a french saying. Cheers.
Gert! I was going to watch The Big Blue but decided to search RUclips for a Big Blue trailer and saw your post. I am an amateur freediver...at best. Plus I live in Arizona....not a lot of deep diving so I practice statics and horizontal dives to keep me sharp. Going for 75 meters tomorrow (PR). Love your channel. Love your opinion and insight. As you know this is the best sport in the world. Subscribed!
@@gertleroy I'll watch your video tonight. Great channel Gert! I am a fan already. I was a PADI instructor from 1991-1994 when I was in college at Arizona State University. I was SCUBA certified when I was 11 (1982) but freediving is way more liberating...as you know it is so addictive and a great workout. Alexey Molchanov, Wim Hof, Stig...they are the Peles, Michael Jordans, Arnold Schwarzeneggers of this sport AND they are way more athletic than the athletes that get paid tens of millions. They are superhuman, literally. Unfortunately people would rather watch a human kick a ball or dribble a ball more than watch people stretch the limits of human physiology in a life or death competition. To me there is no comparison. This sport is #1.
Wonderful video, Thank you. ..I did not klick a "like" in years, but I guess this was my cal. As the Son, I can witness: No. He is still around, captain of some heavy duty boat still working at sea. There is always half true in the movies. The Cole friendship shown in the movie between the dudes has in fact between Enzo and Salvatore (a man from the same city, Siracuse). While the French guy was a new friend they got to know during the world record competitions. The symbolic ending is a very nice poetic way to show how many people overawed by the difficulties in life search for the way out, a way to escape, for one moment or more. As a son, I can refer tho that as a "slow death" within the social relationship. The loss of care and as a grown up, the achievements of the father, meaning nothing compared to the loss of care. Here, a fragment of reality in a nut shell :).
I was about 6 years old when I first saw this movie at the theaters and I fell in love with the idea of free diving. Question, aren’t you guys afraid of sharks possibly being a threat?
Going to binge watch all of your videos. I’m constantly trying to take advice from experts and use the advice to help me get better. Thank you for uploading all your videos.
@@gertleroy Thank you for the most important advice in the water. I wouldn't have it any other way. People who dive solo are people I want to avoid. Plus its always a lot more fun and enjoyable sharing your experience and records with dive buddies OR having a dive buddy hold the GoPro to film the dive. Its so foolish to dive alone but you and I both know there are a lot of foolish people on this planet.
first of all thank you for explaining all the scientific facts !!! 2. I have a question is it true that Jacques Mayol is a real free diver real person in life ? and it's not totally fiction ??? and 3. the big blue is a beautiful movie & it's one of a kind movie about diving !!
Thanks for the video. It’s fascinating for me to hear your perspective on my favorite movie of all time. I really like the American version of the movie with the Bill Conti soundtrack. Do you know how I could find a copy of this version of the movie?? I would love to see it again, but I cannot find it.
Great info. Also goes to show why the risk of your brain overdosing on nitrogen is dangerous. The movie was great but in the end Johana was simply selfish and too absolved in the addiction instead of being responsible in having her know he was gonna actually invest in her and the idea of having a family. He didn't care and she didn't know what she was getting herself into.
Thank you, maybe you can answer the other questions to which I can't find an answer: why is Jacques' father drowning? ok it's an accident but what happened? and the death of enzo, what did he have exactly? and jacques, what did he have before he stopped fighting against the call of the depths of the sea which had already carried away those he loves...?
I assume water got into Jacques' father's equipment. Or maybe the supply of air got cut off. Enzo died because of the depth he went to. His body was not ready for it. Too much pressure,. aybe also decompression sickness. Jacques needed to be in the water. It's all he could think off.
Although I believe that Jacques dies in the ending of the movie he does have a dream before he sets out to the ocean, when the room gets filled with water and he wakes up with a nosebleed, pretty surreal though. Also let's not forget Dr Laurence calls him more of a dolphin than a human because of his ability to stay underwater for longer periods of time, so maybe he was one of a kind to hold his breath and he just broke a new record down there by surpassing himself by really letting "go." However I think he died down there in peace, and maybe his "mermaid" was the dolphins he loved so much which could be a metaphor in his own blue world.
Im guessing the doctors couldn't help Enzo when he dives in the dangerous water. It's so sad because he plays such a strong character. Being world champion of free diving. I guess the pressure deep down does something to the body. Is it called the Benz. Like I the abyss. When you go deep, it takes ages to decompress.
not in freediving, cause freedivers don't inhale compressed air. Allthough at such deep depths, decompression sickness sometimes plays a roll. But not as much as with technical diving.
Does anyone know if the movie with the Bill Conti sound track is available anywhere? I love this movie so much as well, but I really have a heart for that particular version. From what I understand they made another version with a different sound track that for me is not as good.
American film production and distribution team - please make it happy ending for the box office (US consumerism thinking ) . European film production and distribution team - please make it realistic because this is life and film is a reflection of life and art (European French new wave and art thinking) .
I've seen this movie only a couple of days ago on TV and I had to search for an explanation. But what I'm intrigued now is why they cut so many scenes in the version that I've seen :/ 2 scenes from this video weren't even in the movie... I want to see the whole movie!
You missed the point. It’s much better down there because down there there is no noise. The depth we reach during meditation is an internal, a spiritual silence that leads to peace. It has nothing to do with anything physical.
of course meditation and thus freediving is an internal journey, but you cannot deny the physiological adaptations that happen during a deep dive (mammalian diving reflex) which trigger any further (internal) emotions or sensations. One is not exclusive to the other. they work together. thanks for your feedback. peace 🙏
Loved this movie you want him to live in the end with the dolphin saving him in the American version but the science of the human body tells you can't resurface at that depth I guess only luc besson knows what happened
I thought one of the points of the movie was that the Main character had adaptations no else had making him unbeatable as a diver. Am I wrong it has been a while. I thought his body worked like a dolphin or whale whenever he dived deep.
Super video, thank you for this explanation ! :) I hate the American ending version, it destroys all the symbolic of the movie and the character of Jacques Mayol. American producers have a real problem with happy endings --'
I always thought he was under the spell of nitrogen narcosis. Maybe the window to another realm. Omg were Jacques and Enzo and are all free divers just nitrogen narcosis junkies! 😜👍🐟🤭
The French/European version is so much better. He did die because the peace of the sea was more attractive than people. Enzo died. His girlfriend never truly appreciated the sea.
He just didn't find the reason to go up again, he was depressed, dindn't find meaning and he died for that what he lived for... That is obvious, you can make a clear conclusion from the time while he is out of the water. Is not about narcosis...
I watched "the big blue" EU version but I didnt liked how they described and made Enzo. Enzo, especially in the first version of the movie, was described like an arrogant and all bad things so, Enzo Maiorca (the real one, not the character :) decided to report them and stop the distribution. After this the production of the film had to cut a lot of scenes marked as offensive by Enzo but others are still there. Probably I ve noticed that because I am italian but I think it was excessive. I think this is due to the eternal competion between France an Italy. What do you think guys? Did you notice how Enzo was written? Bye.
I think Enzo is a much stronger character than Jacques in the EU version and it was probably the only character I could really sympathize with when watching the movie.
WATCH THESE EPIC FREEDIVING MOVIES:
The Big Blue: ruclips.net/video/NP6BtzdS-9Y/видео.html
Dolphin Man: ruclips.net/video/66QKJ-dsW0o/видео.html
Netflix Freediving docu: ruclips.net/video/jQEKAE8BRPM/видео.html
Jacque is not competitive diver, he is half human half something else
jean reno is such a larger than life character. We all loved him and he stole every scene he was in.
🙏
Also Subway was great.
In every film
I was mesmerized by this movie over 20 years ago and I’ve never forgotten how it left me feeling. I didn’t see him go back to the surface so I must’ve saw the European version. Tragically beautiful ending. Still love it. Thank you for elaborating on this last scene I’ve thought about it for many years.
thank you for your story 🙏
The big blue is one of my all time favorite movies. The open ending is nesecary! Also, agree, it’s ridiculous that hollywood can’t even put out movies with an open ending. God forbid we might use our imagination.
When i was young i would always “free dive” in the deep end of the public pool. About 4 meters, and just lay flat on my back... i still remember that peaceful feeling exactly as you say it. It also struck me od at the time that the longer i’d lay there, the less concerned i felt about breathing and a zen state just naturally finds you...
My 2 cents on the movie ending...
1: if you give animals a cagefree life, they’ll love you forever, and much deeper than a housecat that somehow knows it depends on your food for survival.
-its his girlfriend that pulls the cord, allowing Mayol his freedom...
2: Mayol himself said in the movie: sometimes it is hard to find a good enough reason to resurface...
-A: he loves the girl.
-B: he has an unborn child coming.
He lives. Weater the dolphin is imaginary or real... all throughout the movie he swims with them, and they never dive him down, they bring him up, or swim level below the surface.
Alternatively; i’ve sought enlightenment too, and feel in a similar state as Mayol in the end, but i recognise just like established jogis, we can CHOSE to stay, and help others reach this hightened state too.
Thank you so much Armada for your contribution. People will love your feedback 🙏
This move has always been one of my all time, iconic movies and I really connected with Jacques Mayol and his journey. It was so tragic when he took his own life in 2001. I was stunned and so very sad but I am also very understanding that he finally was at peace in his heart, no more suffering. In many ways, the movie really did fully represent him. Thank you for this video.
thanks for the feedback 💥💥👍
I'm surprised in the American version he didn't fly out of the sea like superman
Haha that would have been something..
For the sake of not getting political, I won't go into detail about how the American version would end today. I'll have to watch The Big Blue. Enjoyed The Deepest Breath which brought me here
Great film that lingers long in the mind after you watch it... feels like a dream
Wait! There's a more original version of this film?
Enzo told Johana:
”Don’t think of Jacque as a human being, he is from another world”
I think that explains pretty well why he chose what he did at the end.
true! 🙏
I would have been in bed with Arquette in her sexual prime. But, that's just me. 😅
The ending of "The Big Blue" is very clear and simple. It is a suicide. Jacques doesn't want to go on with his life. He just feels that it's time to go. And when he says that THERE is a better place than HERE, it is not the bottom of the sea that he's talking of.
bottom of the sea, or another world.. as long as it's not this world 🙏
There's a title on the soundtrack named 'Homo Delphinus' and imo that's the best, most accurate description of Jacques' true nature. So no, he does not commit suicide, instead he transforms into what he really is; it's not death, it's birth.
@@robderich8533 can't agree more brother
He became a creature of the sea, he was bleeding from his nose etc. on the surface with the bed scene, it was reversed, he was no longer able to live on the surface.
he proved selfish.
The Big Blue is without any doubt One of my favourite movies ever. I have seen it more than 20 Times.... And don't get enough... I still Search for it and learnning about it ,like i did now with you. I Saw it for the first time 30 years ago.... I AM still in love with it. 💯
great movie indeed ❤️
Very deep movie. Such a great film and I have loved this for a very long time as I remember my mum renting this in 1989. I had the soundtrack on my Spotify this morning and it is incredible
Yes it is 🙏
One of the deepest movies I have ever seen! 💓
Just the end of the European version blows your mind!
😳🤯😨😰😢
Éric Serra's music simply for me made this movie a masterpiece 👌😊
i agree!!!
According to the fact how Jacques ended His life, european version is more true... Thanks for another good movie Gert :)
hi Andrzej! thanks for bringing that to our attention. I hadn't even thought about this. It's for sure an important something to take into accout! Cheers
Yes he killed himself
You gotta consider also something strong, that the original phrase "It's better down there" was pronounced in the real world by Mayol... But also after the death of his wife, and it's well know that he went through depression states several times, depression that ended with the way he died... So.. although the phrase for many of us it's absolute understandable, because been down there remove us from all the tensions of the external world and bring us back what it seems an autonomous peaceful state that the outside seems to alter. What Mayol seems to refer with that phrase is a state of where he use a truth of the underwater world to hide a sadness that he no longers find something valuable in the outside world, expressed through his depression... And the logic of the statement is clear. I have felt similar, but also the external world has incredible joys, it's really sad what happened to a legend like Mayol, but as a Human Being we are complex and that doesn't kill his legacy
Beautifully said and wishing the best to everyone having hard time especially in these pandemic times. 🙏
'The Big Blue' certainly romanticized Mayol's life shamelessly. As I understand it, he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He would never have 'swam off with the dolphins' as the end of the film suggests. Although, I suppose it would have bee too depressing to see what actually happened to him. In spite of these reservations, I still found 'The Big Blue' immensely inspiring at the time I first saw it around 1988. Free diving was pretty much an unknown outsider sport in Australia back then. No courses, no training, nothing. You just had to learn from books, videos, trial and error, hoping you might survive any 'errors'.
pre-internet times haha we had to figure everything out ourselves ✌️✌️
The romantic part of the movie is very poorly made IMO. It's done so artificially and forcedly that I just couldn't sympathize with either Jacques or his girlfriend.
Totally agree! Watch the short EU version… its a completely different movie! Simply portrays Jacques as this man living within its own world, struggling (or even not caring sometimes) to relate with other human beings.
I think that in your very professional critique you miss the mystical subcontext of Besson's film. As noted elsewhere, I believe (or would like to believe) the dolphin in the final scene is the same animal he rescued, repaying his kindness and returning him to the surface (as is clearly seen in the US version). The entire film flirts with the mystical nature of the deeps, though, as well as to our aquatic evolutionary stage and rapport with our sea-born mammalian cousins. Truly a beautiful, spiritual film.
Great film indeed. Thanks for your feedback! 🙏
Gert, the big blue is certainly in your eyes too! Very interesting explanation en exhaustive too. To dive so deep ... I consider it an extreme sport, it frightens me even from here from my chair, not even facing the ocean... The Big Blue made well-deserved history. Thank you for sharing your explanation on the final scene. Best wishes from Australia!
Thank you! It's an interesting movie and as a freediver I have to comment on it 😁😁
The ending was a very great art display of death in general, when you transfer in the unknown realm.
🙏
What a tremendous film. Beautiful. For me, free driving looks sensational but scary.
Great film indeed! ✌️✌️
Freediving to me, is both EPIC and TERRIFYING.
My favorite diving moving is definitely "The Big Blue" Director's Cut. 2nd is "The Deep" (1977). 3rd favorite would have to be "The Abyss" (1989), though I'm not sure if it's considered a true diving film since the characters are not really diving but are more less just working underwater, but still a great film.
awesome! thanks for the feedback 🙏
The Big Blue i s one of my favourite movie of all time.
This is the best movie about diving.
Yeahhh🙏✌️
Le Grand bleu actually is my fav (under water) movie. Never seen the american end, I prefer the French version. Thank you for explaining the narcosis. 👌🏻
glad u like it :-)
I saw this when it first came out with my boyfriend who adored this film. We both did. Every few years I watch it. I have it on VHS! My sister and I
are obsessed with it as well. We’d laugh and say how Rosanne Arquette had the most beautiful co-actors in her early career. He’s our favorite. Jean- Marc- Barr. This is my favorite diving movie; I introduce it to people I am close to. This is what had led me to your video. Can’t find it to stream it seems. Jean Reno’s is not dead! 🤦🏻♀️
everyone is still very much alive 🙏
This video made me a new subscriber to your channel, The Big Blue is my favorite movie of all, this is how I'm in love with the Sea and freediving. awesome content you share, congrats
Welcome aboard!
I dive sometimes. I used to freedive more when I was younger.. but anyways I understand this that it is better down there. It is so peaceful in the water. It's a different world, meditative. Next summer I'm going to fall in love with the ocean, once again.
yes it is! cu in the blue 🔵
Just love this movie! But so sad at the end...❤️
Indeed 🙏
I'm sorry for you if you think the end of the movie is a sad one. Try to alter your perspective, then maybe you'll be able to see the real beauty of it.
It's not a movie, it's art ❤
Thanks for your helpful explanations. The big blue is my best movie
🙏
the big blue is my favourite diving movie i love both the theatrical and directors cut
It's a classic 🤞
Do you like Nikita
@@kirstinetermansen3227 yes a great film shame about the US remake
The BIG blue is crazy close
To the madness, in free drivin
Test,
Like was water boarding they
Tested
@@kirstinetermansen3227 i find it a stunningly beautiful movie
I had no exposure to free diving as a kid, but grew up reading and re-reading "the silent world".
The first time I saw this movie I was already into deep air diving and beginning to experiment with trimix (with no training, or tables).
I understood the feelings, and felt like I was seeing something of myself on screen for the first time. I'd never felt any connection or common ground with any screen hero before.
I saw Enzo's bravado as the bravado I'd put on, as needed, and saw the real Enzo only in the last scene, the quiet lost boy inside that wants to be taken down.
I saw Jaques' difficulty in finding the surface to be real, reflecting my own difficulty. It seemed only down there is life real. Here on the surface is just the between time, waiting to be alive again.
interesting view on the topic! thanks for sharing! 🙏🙏
This movie has some very strong elements of fantasy in it, as well as some mythology. That line when Enzo says that Jacques is not really a man but is a fish, that right there is a very key part of this movie. That is when we are given a hint that Jacques might not be just a man. And the ending is the proof of that, that moment when we finally realize that is is a merman.
He is aquaman 😉
"Moisture is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty"
Titanic. When Jack learns to freedive at the back of the boat
As a scuba diver this is my #1 film of all time and have lost count of how many times I watched it. I had no idea that a US version existed where he survived. How utterly lame and how dare they change the soundtrack. There are many clues throughout the film that Jacque is more fish than human and doesn't really understand the world above the surface. For that reason he finally realises that he must go and 'see'. There is no doubt in my mind that he doesn't come up again and he doesn't die.
thanks Nick for your feedback. you might be right !
I was only exposed to the U.S. version yet I never thought he survived even with the extra bit with the dolphins, he’s not coming back. I’m partial to the Bill Conti score because that’s the movie I fell in love with. When I do finally show this to my son, I’ll have a tough decision to make. Much like Blade Runner, which is improved by the Final Cut, it was still the first version with narration we all originally fell in love with. Can’t dispute that.
Amo esa peli😊
great movie!
I have watched this movie numerous times. I have never seen the scene of him talking on the phone to his girlfriend about mermaids!! Definitely explains ending better.
It does 🙏
Best movie and great explanation! Thank you!!
glad you like it 🙏
Very good movie I have so much respect for Jacques because he did what I should have done 20 years ago.
Dived to the bottom of the ocean rather than get married 👍
haha I just woke up with this 😁😁
Bloody Amazing info...Great posting!
Thanks Nix ✌️✌️
It's not about free diving! It's about the human spirit. Enzo and Jacques are two parts of a single person. Enzo is the material: diving is a challenge and effort for him, a matter of pride, loves family and pasta and parties, crafty, experienced, etc. Jacques is the spiritual: diving comes easy and natural to him, without pride, without family, innocent in matters of the world, part of a dolphin family. The sea is where one goes at death -- Jacques' father and Enzo depart there, the trapped diver early on almost died there. The dolphins inhabit that zone. In the end, they come to get Jacques at depth. Being the spirit, he swims off with them. He could not remain because his material counterpart, Enzo, was already gone.
The Big Blue is one my favorite movies. I have seen both versions including directors cut. I’m going with the romantic ending - the dolphin he had rescued, rescues him. He swims off with his dolphin and lives happily ever after.
we all love the big blue ❤️
I saw the American version first as a kid. And I saw the original european version much later on. I thought he died in the American version also. The surface could be like an afterlife. That being said, I loved Bill Conti's pan flute theme song.
yeah the soundtrack is awesome
I loved your opinion about the movie and your explanaition about this sport. But, in my opinion about the movie, Jacques dosent die. That dolphin in the end was Enzo. Just as Enzo, Jacques becames a dolphin too.
Waaw that's powerful! Thanks for adding your view on this to the comment section ✌️. So many ways to interpret this!
Yeah 😊😉
Now that's a very interesting point of view, very buddhist. I like that.
@@robderich8533 thanks!!! I love this movie!
Wow, great video explanation of freediving and MDR. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Loved this movie as kid never knew why… Australian version he didn’t go back to the surface.
Australian version is then the same as European version..
@@gertleroy only saw the European version . What’s the difference between the euro / USA end version ?
@@isabelbourez watch end of the video 😁
Jacques lives! It was not a competition for him. He was outside the normal paradigm of skill.
The dolphin took him back up!
Awesome 👍
I don’t free dive, but this was a very well put together film. It was very informative. Well done.
Thanks man. Glad to hear non freedivers are enjoying my content 👍
Thank you for your analysis, is very educational.
thank you 💯
Thanks for sharing.
welcome 🙏
My favorite dive movie is THE ABYSS.
💥💥
When I first saw this, I took the "dolphin frolic" ending as a death scene. And, I am in the US.
🙏
Beginning of the movie Jaques father dies on the water. The tragedy set the stage with his infatuation with death his whole life. He was born with a natural gift of holding his breath. So his whole life he made his living with that one skill he had. Growing up an orphan his adopted "family" were dolphins, he felt natural kinship with. When being reunited with his old childhood friend Enso he was thrusted into the world of Diving Competition with the one kid that used to bully him. Jaques unique ability and a lifetime of working While holding his breath gave him A big advantage, Enso died trying to beat Jaques record. The sea he loves has now claimed Both his father and his friend. So he has to see "what's down there". He's prepared to die. And says his goodbyes. But at the bottom in the darkness. He finds NOTHING. The Dolphin he rescues and saves earlier in the film finds Jaques and rescues Jaques from death . Jaques holds on to his friend.. and the Dolphin takes Jaques back to the surface. The END.
How can you not be romantic about the ocean 💙
it's impossible! ✌️
It's nice in the deep, but I'm allways happy to come back to surface and breath again
Yes! Most of us ;-) But not Jacques..
Visiting Jacques Monument recently, I was thinking a lot about his death. It's hard to understand why he hang himself and did mit choose the death in the film. Might be, He didn't want to follow the film, but als breathing was Importamt to him, a death by suffocation was approriate. But don't forget, he was sick by psych. depression.
@@dauchaohneschnaufa2890 sad story of a great man 🙏
Got the original movie but my favorite one is the Bill Conti version (The American),by far.Saw it thousands times!!!🧜♂️🐬
Great movie 🍿
@@gertleroyWHERE DID YOU GET IT! I'VE BEEN LOOKING EVERYWHERE FOR THE AMERICAN VERSION!
This movie changed my childhood. Love your explanation....but honestly, I never though it was important if he would have survived or not in the real situation. To me, it sounds like wondering if Pinochio could actually become a real boy from a biological perspective. Thanks anyway for a great great video! Well done.
Thanks Gabriel 🙏
Great analysis! I had not idea he died in the European version. Where can we find the Bill Conti version of this film? I’m so connected to that music it’s hard to watch without it.
great movie. you might wanna searvh Amazon
Probably the morve I've watched to most, 20x at least.
To me according to my mood when I watch there are 2 ways to see the ending:
- He goes after what he loves the most forgetting what's above the surface.
- Dolphins generally go at max 50m under the surface and need to take their breath after 7 to 10 min. Jacques is just playing as usual
To me he dies, in his happy - yet somewhat cursed - place. As you say, his vision of things is probably influenced by narcosis etc which he clearly suffers from and also he's had enough of 'our' world. He's not fine. So he kills himself.
I'm saddened to see Eric Serra is not the chosen one for the American version because what a gorgeous soundtrack.
totally agree. on both ✌️✌️
What ? The music is a pivotal part of this movie, and the Besson/Serra collaboration is irreplaceable.
What music did the Mericans put ?
I’m almost too afraid to ask. The truth is I’m still shocked by this info.
It s a beautiful ending. Never needed an explaination. When i was 8 years old i thought he had a meeting with a dolphin/// at 40 the explanatiion is the same meaning dedication for the sea and Abyss and the only ending is objecting to others and welcoming // or entering your dream and get ride of society.. passion and dedication without following any rule but what you think you are. Far from mayol and apnea ....this is moovie about being free. Freeddiving is a example of it.
I agree 🙏
For me he didnt die I remember a scene where he is talking with Matilda explaing how mermaids take you when you are in the dark of the sea so for me mermaids take him
Yep possible! Many ways to see this. Thanks for your feedback ✌️
So he died
@@hayatokuda 🙏
Yes I'm American. Is that why I like seeing the guy get the girl and live happily ever after, maybe. But even watching the American version is pretty obvious he dies. What I love most about the American version is the soundtrack, the music. The other music pales by comparison. I'm curious what Europeans think about the American music soundtrack for the big blue.
Thanks for the feedback 🙏
As a european, I have only seen the original movie with Eric Serra score. This very score was even bought by people who had not watched the movie, simply appreciating this music itself. It sold so well. This proves that the original score is good. I personally heard a few notes from bill conti score. It was so different. It took me out of the feeling I was in for the same movie scene. This proves that once you are used to a score, you stick to it because you printed your feelings on it. Comparison is a fool's trap, to translate roughly a french saying.
Cheers.
I didn't like the longer Director's Cut version which I think strips much of the magic away
Original is better 🙏✌️
Nice Vid! thx! I was in canyon lake 20 yrs ago and dove deep and I get it! it's a level of freedom on another spectrum
Yes it is 🙏
Gert! I was going to watch The Big Blue but decided to search RUclips for a Big Blue trailer and saw your post. I am an amateur freediver...at best. Plus I live in Arizona....not a lot of deep diving so I practice statics and horizontal dives to keep me sharp. Going for 75 meters tomorrow (PR). Love your channel. Love your opinion and insight. As you know this is the best sport in the world. Subscribed!
thanks Carl! i also have a video of the best scenes of the Big Blue, go check that one out! :-)
@@gertleroy I'll watch your video tonight. Great channel Gert! I am a fan already. I was a PADI instructor from 1991-1994 when I was in college at Arizona State University. I was SCUBA certified when I was 11 (1982) but freediving is way more liberating...as you know it is so addictive and a great workout. Alexey Molchanov, Wim Hof, Stig...they are the Peles, Michael Jordans, Arnold Schwarzeneggers of this sport AND they are way more athletic than the athletes that get paid tens of millions. They are superhuman, literally. Unfortunately people would rather watch a human kick a ball or dribble a ball more than watch people stretch the limits of human physiology in a life or death competition. To me there is no comparison. This sport is #1.
@@CarlCunningham360 totally agree ! It's so much different than any other sport 🙏
Wonderful video, Thank you. ..I did not klick a "like" in years, but I guess this was my cal. As the Son, I can witness: No. He is still around, captain of some heavy duty boat still working at sea. There is always half true in the movies. The Cole friendship shown in the movie between the dudes has in fact between Enzo and Salvatore (a man from the same city, Siracuse). While the French guy was a new friend they got to know during the world record competitions. The symbolic ending is a very nice poetic way to show how many people overawed by the difficulties in life search for the way out, a way to escape, for one moment or more. As a son, I can refer tho that as a "slow death" within the social relationship. The loss of care and as a grown up, the achievements of the father, meaning nothing compared to the loss of care. Here, a fragment of reality in a nut shell :).
great addition and feedback thanks 🙏
He didn’t die… it’s about chasing your dreams, being completely free and being ONE with your passion. That’s how I interpret this.
Yes exactly. Thanks 🙏🙏
I was about 6 years old when I first saw this movie at the theaters and I fell in love with the idea of free diving.
Question, aren’t you guys afraid of sharks possibly being a threat?
no. I think sharks is the last thing we think about when doing deep dives ✌️
You missed the point of the movie, it's not to be technical, it's a romantic movie...and a very very good movie.
Thanks for your feedback, but please don't say I or anyone else missed the point. maybe there are multiple points to make, or no point at all. cheers.
Going to binge watch all of your videos. I’m constantly trying to take advice from experts and use the advice to help me get better. Thank you for uploading all your videos.
thanks Carl! hope you find someone you can dive with. Always dive with a buddy who can perform a resue in case it's needed! cheers
@@gertleroy Thank you for the most important advice in the water. I wouldn't have it any other way. People who dive solo are people I want to avoid. Plus its always a lot more fun and enjoyable sharing your experience and records with dive buddies OR having a dive buddy hold the GoPro to film the dive. Its so foolish to dive alone but you and I both know there are a lot of foolish people on this planet.
@@CarlCunningham360 🙏
The Big Blue 👍
🔵💙
THX 🙏 is one of greatest Movies…
@@Pedro-ng7hh 🙏
I Liked the American Version, Why? I Love Happy Ending. That's Why I Go to the Movies. Good Guys Win.
He doesn’t die, he goes to live with dolphins. He’s not a human. He’s half human, half dolphin. That’s the point of the movie.
maybe the human part of him dies :-)
first of all thank you for explaining all the scientific facts !!!
2. I have a question is it true that Jacques Mayol is a real free diver real person in life ? and it's not totally fiction ???
and 3. the big blue is a beautiful movie & it's one of a kind movie about diving !!
you're welcome. please search for Jacques Mayol dolphin man and you'll know the answer. ps. also on my channel 🐬
Thanks for the video. It’s fascinating for me to hear your perspective on my favorite movie of all time. I really like the American version of the movie with the Bill Conti soundtrack. Do you know how I could find a copy of this version of the movie?? I would love to see it again, but I cannot find it.
Glad you enjoyed it! I fortunately I can't help you in where to buy the movie. take a look at Amazon, or go to the website of the movie. good luck 🙏
Great info. Also goes to show why the risk of your brain overdosing on nitrogen is dangerous.
The movie was great but in the end Johana was simply selfish and too absolved in the addiction instead of being responsible in having her know he was gonna actually invest in her and the idea of having a family. He didn't care and she didn't know what she was getting herself into.
I agree! and great movie! 💯
Thank you, maybe you can answer the other questions to which I can't find an answer: why is Jacques' father drowning? ok it's an accident but what happened? and the death of enzo, what did he have exactly? and jacques, what did he have before he stopped fighting against the call of the depths of the sea which had already carried away those he loves...?
I assume water got into Jacques' father's equipment. Or maybe the supply of air got cut off. Enzo died because of the depth he went to. His body was not ready for it. Too much pressure,. aybe also decompression sickness. Jacques needed to be in the water. It's all he could think off.
@@gertleroy wow thank you for your quick response!
@@gertleroy and the resuscitation then the bleeding of Jacques? decompression sickness?
I read the world record breath hold, stationary/underwater was close to twenty five minutes
02 assisted. which is not "real" breathholding
@@gertleroy I see that now. Thanks for clearing that up. Important little blurb of info that was hard to find in the article.
@@dubsbarry9963 it usually is. #katewinslet #avatar
Although I believe that Jacques dies in the ending of the movie he does have a dream before he sets out to the ocean, when the room gets filled with water and he wakes up with a nosebleed, pretty surreal though. Also let's not forget Dr Laurence calls him more of a dolphin than a human because of his ability to stay underwater for longer periods of time, so maybe he was one of a kind to hold his breath and he just broke a new record down there by surpassing himself by really letting "go."
However I think he died down there in peace, and maybe his "mermaid" was the dolphins he loved so much which could be a metaphor in his own blue world.
great insight. love the movie 🙏
@@gertleroy Thank you sir, me too, and I saw the movie for the first time a few days ago, crazy!
I have recommended this movie to many people. Perhaps I will paste in a recent text I sent to someone about this topic.
Jeff
Awesome ✌️
Im guessing the doctors couldn't help Enzo when he dives in the dangerous water. It's so sad because he plays such a strong character. Being world champion of free diving. I guess the pressure deep down does something to the body. Is it called the Benz. Like I the abyss. When you go deep, it takes ages to decompress.
not in freediving, cause freedivers don't inhale compressed air. Allthough at such deep depths, decompression sickness sometimes plays a roll. But not as much as with technical diving.
Wet Gold , Brook Shields .
Like in real life, he comitted suicide. Nothing else makes sense😥
Very much likely...
only in your history books....we can break all limits
Does anyone know if the movie with the Bill Conti sound track is available anywhere? I love this movie so much as well, but I really have a heart for that particular version. From what I understand they made another version with a different sound track that for me is not as good.
dunno but might wanna take a look here: kit.co/gertleroy/freediving-books
@@gertleroy thank you so much. Great video.
American film production and distribution team - please make it happy ending for the box office (US consumerism thinking ) . European film production and distribution team - please make it realistic because this is life and film is a reflection of life and art (European French new wave and art thinking) .
haha yes... you might be right !
Don’t forget about his father.
🙏
I've seen this movie only a couple of days ago on TV and I had to search for an explanation. But what I'm intrigued now is why they cut so many scenes in the version that I've seen :/ 2 scenes from this video weren't even in the movie... I want to see the whole movie!
it's for sale on Amazon..
@@gertleroy I've looked it up and suddenly remembered I can download free stuff on filelist 😂
You missed the point. It’s much better down there because down there there is no noise. The depth we reach during meditation is an internal, a spiritual silence that leads to peace. It has nothing to do with anything physical.
of course meditation and thus freediving is an internal journey, but you cannot deny the physiological adaptations that happen during a deep dive (mammalian diving reflex) which trigger any further (internal) emotions or sensations. One is not exclusive to the other. they work together. thanks for your feedback. peace 🙏
Loved this movie you want him to live in the end with the dolphin saving him in the American version but the science of the human body tells you can't resurface at that depth I guess only luc besson knows what happened
a little mistery is sometimes better than the plain truth
Unconscious is sweet
Mad med
🙏
Ups forgot something
Poised example by polluted air. Is a living nightmare
Don't go there, pro choice
Life,
By the way the France film
On free divers
From 80
Same as Nikita
Is not all wrong,
I thought one of the points of the movie was that the Main character had adaptations no else had making him unbeatable as a diver. Am I wrong it has been a while. I thought his body worked like a dolphin or whale whenever he dived deep.
Research mdr: mammaliam dive reflex 🙏
In Australia he dies.
🙏
the American ending is also an open ending my friend...
Well at least we know he didn't die..
Does anyone know where I can get the American version? I've looked everywhere.
it isn't on Amazon? see links in description
The Deep
👍
That's not a mermaid, it's a siren and she's trying to kill you.
oh damn so that's why all these divers disappear...
Super video, thank you for this explanation ! :)
I hate the American ending version, it destroys all the symbolic of the movie and the character of Jacques Mayol. American producers have a real problem with happy endings --'
i prefer the original version as well !
He joined the mermaids
Exactly 😊
I always thought he was under the spell of nitrogen narcosis. Maybe the window to another realm. Omg were Jacques and Enzo and are all free divers just nitrogen narcosis junkies! 😜👍🐟🤭
it's addictive as hell 🙏😁
The French/European version is so much better. He did die because the peace of the sea was more attractive than people. Enzo died. His girlfriend never truly appreciated the sea.
that's how I see it as well 🙏
He just didn't find the reason to go up again, he was depressed, dindn't find meaning and he died for that what he lived for... That is obvious, you can make a clear conclusion from the time while he is out of the water. Is not about narcosis...
maybe you're right.. 🙏
I watched "the big blue" EU version but I didnt liked how they described and made Enzo. Enzo, especially in the first version of the movie, was described like an arrogant and all bad things so, Enzo Maiorca (the real one, not the character :) decided to report them and stop the distribution. After this the production of the film had to cut a lot of scenes marked as offensive by Enzo but others are still there. Probably I ve noticed that because I am italian but I think it was excessive. I think this is due to the eternal competion between France an Italy. What do you think guys? Did you notice how Enzo was written? Bye.
Thanks for elaborating on this topic 🙏
Actually, I thought Enzo was pretty loveable, but it has been a while since i have seen it. Thanks for posting and keeping the beautiful movie alive.
I think Enzo is a much stronger character than Jacques in the EU version and it was probably the only character I could really sympathize with when watching the movie.