We Bought a Zoo

About We Bought a Zoo

We Bought a Zoo is a 2011 American family comedy-drama film. The film is directed by Cameron Crowe and is based on a memoir by Benjamin Mee. The plot revolves around a recently widowed father, Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) who buys a dilapidated zoo with over 200 exotic animals, hoping that it will bring his family back together. The family and their zoo staff, including the Head Keeper Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson), work together to get back the zoo to its former glory.

Making / Production

The production of 'We Bought a Zoo' was a story of hard work and dedication. With filmmaker Cameron Crowe at the helm, the movie was adapted from a memoir, which meant that a sensitivity for the real-life story was vital. Richard D. Zanuck and Julie Yorn produced the film, while the screenplay was penned by Aline Brosh McKenna and Cameron Crowe himself.

Actors

• Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee: Damon powerfully portrays the role of a widower who bravely ventures into an unexpected life turn for the sake of his family.
• Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Foster: Johansson's portrayal of the head keeper is remarkable for her passionate commitment towards the survival of the zoo.
• Thomas Haden Church as Duncan Mee: Haden Church wonderfully embodies the supportive and wise older brother character of Duncan.
• Elle Fanning as Lily Miska: Elle Fanning shines as Lily, evoking a sense of innocence and charm in her role of a young staff found in the zoo.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• We Bought a Zoo is based on a true story of the Mee family in the UK who bought the Dartmoor Wildlife Park in Devon.
• The score was composed by Jónsi, the singer of Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós.
• During filming, real animals were used which provided unique challenges and moments for the cast.
• Zoo scenes were shot at the Angeles National Forest in southern California.

Quotes

• "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." - Benjamin Mee

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score and soundtrack were composed by Jónsi, from Sigur Ros.
• Some standout tracks include "Gathering Stories," "Why Not?," and "We Bought a Zoo."