Jacques-Yves Cousteau: My First 85 Years

By LISA D. HOROWITZ

TBS, Sun. Nov. 5, 9 p.m.

Narrator: Charlotte Rampling.

Filmed and taped around the world by the Cousteau Society, Turner Broadcasting System and Amaya Films. Producer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau; writer, Francine Cousteau; The amazing Jacques-Yves Cousteau shows no signs of slowing down, even at the advanced age of 85. With his second wife and second Calypso, he's sailing boldly ahead, on a mission to preserve the world for its children. This two-hour spec recaps the many facets of his long career, from the technological advancements that allowed divers to explore the bottom of the ocean to his pioneering efforts to halt environmental damage to the sea, painting a portrait of a fascinating and inspirational man.

Spec kicks off with the Cousteau family on a beach, presenting their patriarch with a birthday cake made of sand, with tiki torches instead of candles and shells rather than icing.

Explaining that the flame is the symbol of knowledge, Cousteau in voiceover reflects on his achievements:"We have illuminated the ocean floor with the torch of knowledge.... We have discovered a new world for humanity."

He's done that, and so much more: explored for oil in the Persian Gulf, rescued Greek amphorae from the wrecks of ships sunk in 700 B.C., organized the removal of toxic substances from the floor of the Adriatic Sea, guided the Calypso and its dedicated crew through coral reefs off Belize and icebergs off Antarctica.

Storytelling alternates between Cousteau's own words, which are exceedingly modest, and overwrought narration written by his wife, Francine, that's saved from hyperbole by Charlotte Rampling's cool delivery.

Cousteau's life is well documented, and film covers everything from meetings with heads of state to the poignant burials at sea of his son, Philippe, and his first wife. The time line isn't always clear, but the two hours move quickly and maintain viewer interest.

Gabriel Yared's sprightly music, which best complements the highlight reel of Cousteau's underwater adventures, works well throughout. Images captured by a plethora of cameramen are sharply edited, and sound quality is excellent.

Camera, Michel Deloire, Louis Malle, Jacques Ertaud, Pierre Goupil, Philippe Cousteau, Jacques Renoir, Jean-Paul Cornu, Colin Mounier, Henri Alliet, Louis Prezelin, Raymond Amaddio, Dominique Arrieu, Frederic Laborasse, Didier Noirot; editor, Hedwige Bienvenu; sound, Anne Belin, Bernadette Reddy; music, Gabriel Yared; film renovation, DAEMS Laboratory. 2 HOURS.

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