Director: Wes Anderson
It was suggested to me that I begin my adventure by choosing one of the many Wes Anderson movies that currently reside in the Criterion Collection. Something I’ve learned in my 18 years of existence is that you never pass up the opportunity to watch a Wes Anderson film. I stress that this is extremely important advice. Seriously. Each one is a gem.
Wes Anderson.
So, I began by picking Mr. Anderson’s arguably greatest film to date, Rushmore. And what a film it was. It was quirky, thought provoking, and brilliant. There was so much explored in its 93 minute run-time that I have no clue what to address first…
Release poster.
Well, I’ll just get into what stuck out the most to me: the acting. Each character was brought to life by a cast filled with now-Anderson-film-alumni. I’m pretty sure the day Bill Murray was born was the day he signed his first entertainment contract, because, man, can this guy entertain. Rushmore wasn’t his first film, rather, it’s squashed between classics like a long stint on SNL, and iconic roles in films such as Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, Groundhog’s Day, The Royal Tenenbaums, and so on. However, Rushmore really sticks out among his never-ending resume. Murray, as Herman Blume, engages in an award-winning performance in which he portrays a troubled man struggling to maintain kindness despite the extraordinary pain he feels within himself constantly. As depressing as this sounds, he really pulls it off and leaves me wanting more. In Jason Schwartzman’s freshman film, he successfully takes on the character of a pretentious 15-year-old trying to sort through his life while struggling with the love he feels for a significantly older woman. Both Murray and Schwartzman nail the roles, and Wes Anderson notably utilizes them for most of his future projects.
Schwartzman and Murray.
Let’s not skip over Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson’s captivating screenplay. The story of Rushmore is one that I could not fathom in my wildest dreams. The characters are all so witty, intelligent, supportive, and generally beautiful (inside and out) that I constantly found myself wishing for their lives instead of mine. Sure, everything goes to crap in the middle, but the end scene is so magnificent and brilliant that I’ve watched it way more than once. What can I do to have Anderson and Wilson write out the remainder of my days?
Schwartzman as Max Fisher.
To quickly summarize some other great aspects of the film: soundtrack, cut scenes, scene flow, lighting, quirkiness, dialogue, maturity of each character, costume design, sets and locations, and the simple fact that I did not want it to end.
Best friends forever.
Five stars, two thumbs up, a definite recommendation.
Any of my closest friends will tell you how polar I am to a movie guru, however this blog was awesome. You obviously have a critical eye for cinema and the language you used was so clear, I felt like I could analyze film myself. Rushmore is on my “to watch” list now.
Never seen this movie, but I’m intrigued. I think I need to know a little more of what it’s about before I’m sold on viewing it.
Wes Anderson is a fabulous director. As shameful as it is I have yet to see this movie, but you’ve convinced be that this is a life experience that I have to take part in. Definitely going to watch this sometime this week. I was thinking about this as well, but Boen beat me to it: Lost in Translation is a great example of Bill Murray channeling this depression in such a relatable way. Always looking for great films to watch. Not sure if this is your cup of tea, but may I suggest looking into Quentin Tarantino’s older works, like Reservoir Dogs or Pulp Fiction, as a possible review. There’s a great amount to delve into with his works and I’d love to hear your feedback!
Awesome post. The first time I watched Rushmore I was mesmerized by Schwartzman’s performance, but upon re-watching I realized just how powerful (yet subtle) Bill Murray was as Herman Blume. There’s this great, irrepressible sadness that Murray seems to be able to channel, which he later displayed in Lost in Translation (one of my favorites). Anyway, I look forward to reading about whatever movie you watch next!