Today’s quick review: Rushmore. Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a precocious 10th grader, is on the verge of expulsion from the prestigious Rushmore Academy for spending too much time on extracurriculars and not enough time on schoolwork. Rather than get his act together, Max pursues a one-sided romance with Miss Cross (Olivia Williams), a first-grade teacher at Rushmore, and cultivates a friendship with Mr. Blume (Bill Murray), a disillusioned businessman.
Rushmore is an understated comedy from writer and director Wes Anderson. Rushmore follows Max Fischer, a high school overachiever with skewed priorities, as he tries to win over Miss Cross, a bright young woman who appreciates his friendship but spurns his advances. The film has a dry sense of humor, smart writing and direction, and an unconventional romance for a story.
Although Rushmore shows traces of the style Wes Anderson is known for, it is much less stylized than his later works. The movie retains his keen attention to detail, his delight in mundane incongruities, and his reserved, overly polite characters. But its quirks are subtler and its characters, while still distinctive, are much closer to ordinary people. The result is a more streamlined, more accessible movie that still offers a few surprises.
Rushmore revolves around the nuanced character of Max. Max loves everything about Rushmore except its classes, and he does everything within his power to expand school activities and promote school spirit. However, his ambitions lead him to overstep his bounds academically, socially, and romantically, prompting a lengthy and often misguided campaign to win over Miss Cross and get back in the headmaster’s good graces.
Rushmore is a short movie, and its payoff is limited by its scope. The humor is subtle and will appeal not appeal to all viewers. The plot is a mundane one, although it is peppered with variety. But certain viewers will find Max to be a uniquely sympathetic figure, and Rushmore’s smart writing, skilled acting, and almost unique style make it well worth checking out for the curious.
Other Wes Anderson movies in a similar vein include The Darjeeling Limited, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Moonrise Kingdom. For a fantasy action movie that hits a few of the same beats, check out Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for interesting characters, quirky writing, and solid execution.