Rushmore (1998)

"yeah, I was in the shit"
A bit awkward, non?


Director: Wes Anderson

Writer(s): Wes Anderson, Owen WIlson.

This was the first time I've ever seen a Wes Anderson film, as a few friends of mine kept harassing me about seeing one. Rushmore is a love triangle between Max Fischer, a very eccentric, intelligent student of the Rushmore private academy, Hermane Blume a rich, sad and lonely industrialist, and a mentor to max Fischer. And finally completing the awkward triangle Rosemary Cross, the new first grade teacher whom the two males are enthralled with. Sounds simple right? Well its not, it's really more of a humorous character study of Max Fischer.

Wes Anderson went to a playwright school in his home town of Dallas. It shows. Not only are there plays within the film, but the film itself is portrayed some what as a play, curtains rise and fall. To my surprise, I don't actually have much to say about this Film. Surprising I know, but I think the problem is not so much with Anderson, but with me (I am aware of the cliche). The fact is, Wes Anderson appeals to middle-class (so far it's right) kids that are old enough to remember the nineties well enough to get all his allusions. I fall directly under this bracket. Or maybe I'm wrong, and that brings me to the main point: I don't get all his allusions, I don't get a lot of because I am simply not hip enough. Doing a bit for research, I find that these allusions, although not critical to understanding the film, are definitely something that enriches the experience. A lot of his shots (including the one with Max Fischer in his go kart) are homages to an early nineteenth century french photographer. Anderson is in fact a very good film maker, and an even better writer. His wit shines through with every colorful characters line. With allusions to (yes I do get some of them) to on the waterfront and many other films, it's obvious that Anderson knows his stuff.

The plot unfolds smoothly, with humor at a awkwardly slow and playful pace. With just slightly improbable situations, watching this film you get the impression that this is inspired by some true. Rushmore, the school in the film is actually Wes Anderson's old high school. The whole film radiates with a sort of shy honesty, an honesty that's rare in films this days. I think my favorite part of the film is not the main love story between Fischer and his love interest, but between him and Blume, an odd friendship that I actually found to be more heart warming than the love interest. Thematically, as far as I can tell, it's not incredible. It's a coming of age film, through and through. Although the film proves that comedies are truly be art, I don't come away from the film pondering over it's meaning, or mulling over it's various points. I do go away happier, a little lighter and definitely entertained.

The music in this film is comprised almost entirely of indie songs. Originally, Anderson wanted only songs by the Kinks, but latter changed his mind. Music is one of those things in films, when you like it you hardly notice it, it seems natural or fitting. But when you don't, you always feel as if something is a little off, and you feel consequently, a bit put off (see what I did there?) I do not like indie music. I find it pretentious and irritating, so the music really really didn't grab me, it sort of just distracted me. The most notable audio elements in this film are the non-digestic inserts. The sounds of the ocean played over someone reading a book, planes or other noises when someone is thinking of something. These technics are rarely used, and if done in the wrong way can come off as extremely corny. Anderson pulls it off wonderful, which not only gives his film a sort of child-like imagination, laced with a bit of nostalgia quality to it, but shows his prowess as a director. These sound clips definitely make his direction style noticeable and unique.

It's hard for me to recommend this film. Not because I don't think many people will enjoy it, but because I'm not sure who will love it and who won't get it. The only way to find out is to go see it. Rent it, borrow it from a friend, whatever. The reason for my hesitation is simply a personal one, a matter of taste. I have a great respect for Anderson and his craft after watching this film, but it is not a style that strikes close to home for me.