Rushmore - Review

 "I saved Latin. What did you ever do?" 

Wes Anderson is an auteur; a man who enjoys taking full control over his productions. This has worked for him, well, for as long as he's been working at least. And to tell you the truth, this hasn't been too long. I quite enjoyed Anderson's first film "Bottle Rocket"; the funny and often times touching tale of three misfits who pretentiously plan the heist of the century. That film was entertaining because there was craft involved, and while it wasn't perfect; it was definitely amusing to watch unfold. And it gave birth to Anderson's career; which essentially gave birth to a little film known as "Rushmore".

        There is little to complain about with "Rushmore", just as to many, there is little to like about it either. Some find Anderson's second feature depressing, stupid, and nigh pointless. These are people who can't see the wit and effort put into the film. I have loved the film from the minute I first watched it; but only now to I cherish it as much as it deserves to be.
     I may be one of the only ones who feels as I do about the film. I found it to be superbly unique, amusing, and often times hilarious. It blends moments of humor with moments of emotion; and certain scenarios called for quiet and patience. You need to feel this film to love it; just as you need to experience it to know how it feels to have seen it. I know; it's not for everyone. But "Rushmore" is not, as some have said, pointless. And there's little reason to despise it.

        The film is about a flamboyantly ambitious young man by the name of Max Fischer. Max enjoys starting up and participating in clubs associated with Rushmore Academy; the school which he also treats as his one and only love. Upon being introduced to the endearing young lad, we also meet a potential new friend, Herman Blume. Herman is a middle-aged man who seems bored on just about every occasion in which we see him; while Max seems occupied with one thing or another each time we happen upon one of his little scenarios. The two unlikely friends have a good relationship going for a while, that is until they are both introduced to Mrs. Cross; a beautiful new teacher at the Academy who manages to win the hearts of both men. The problem is that Mrs. Cross does not show romantic interest towards Max; although towards Herman, a married man, she shows at least some affection. This causes Max to feel hurt and betrayed; thus he decides to get back at Blume for his unfaithfulness to their friendship. The film can be funny; but it's also a sad and touching story of friendship. The characters are ones which we always care about, and each one is played by a talented actor. 

          Jason Schwartzman is currently my favorite actor, and I also admire his co-star, Bill Murray. This is Schwartzman's best performance; an elegant portrayal of a blossoming young man with ambitions and aims; yet little interest in "book smarts". What makes this performance so spectacular is the fact that Max Fischer is the most relatable character, to me, that I have encountered for some time. There's a little bit of Max Fischer in all of us; but his genuine life-style has been similar to mine long before I first saw this film.

        There are sequences which I treasured; moments which I loved. And I conclude that this film is wonderful, and while it's a cult movie; it's a great one. At the least, most will agree that the performances are quirky and there are indeed some heartfelt moments. But I don't just like this film; I love it. It's an intoxicating piece of filmmaking, and I don't suppose you can ponder the Anderson community without hearing about it. This is indeed the auteur's most famous work to date. It's also his best. There's a darkly comedic gem to be found here, as well as a particularly endearing new character. It's a film that shall be admired, if only by a select group of people. I am one of those people.