Rushmore Movie Review

Rushmore Movie Still
When I asked Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson what would be next after 1996's Bottle Rocket, they told me they were working on a number of projects about "serious things." I expressed skepticism then, and it turns out it was justly founded. Rushmore is anything but serious, despite the Presidential-sounding name.

So, what is Rushmore? Rushmore is a prestigious private school in Nowhere, U.S.A. (actually Houston and Dallas, Texas), where its most vocal student, Max (Schwartzman), is also its worst academically. Rushmore the movie follows Max in his travails at school, where he falls hopelessly in love with teacher Miss Cross (Williams, straight from The Postman and a haircut). Unwilling to accept that the age differential is a concern, the 15-year old Max embarks on a grand scheme to build an enormous aquarium as a symbol of affection. That he builds it on the school's baseball diamond is what gets him thrown out of Rushmore.

Lest I forget myself in failing to mention Oscar-worthy Bill Murray (with Billy Bob Thornton, one of the only two Best Supporting Actors 1998 had) as the wrench in Max's master plan. Murray appears as one Mr. Blume, a rich curmudgeon of an industrialist who at first funds Max's plans, then tries to steal Miss Cross away for himself.

Typing it out, it all sounds very conventional, but it's not. Next to There's Something About Mary, Rushmore is one of only a handful of solid, funny comedies of 1998. And how funny it is! Anderson and Wilson's writing is spot-on yet surrealistic. The dialogue is bizarre and full of non-sequiturs, yet wildly entertaining. The whole film plays as a near fantasy, where the adults act like children, and the children act like adults. And no one's the wiser to the switch.

Rushmore is a truly American film that deserves to be seen by many, many people. How many of those are going to "get it" remains a mystery.

Fans absolutely have to get the Rushmore Criterion DVD, which features commentaries and some hilarious outtakes that defy description. Get it. Watch it. Love it.

Hail to the king.

More From Contactmusic.com

More From The Web

Write for us

Comments

Rushmore Rating

" Extraordinary "

Rating: R, 1998

Editors Recommendations

Brad Pitt Recalls Drug Damaged Life Before Meeting Angelina

Brad Pitt says he was taking too many drugs and had little ambition before meeting Angelina Jolie.

Brad Pitt - Brad Pitt Recalls Drug Damaged Life Before Meeting Angelina Jolie

Rare Harry Potter Book Sold For £150,000 Pounds

The buyer was clearly eager to own the piece of literary history, but chose to remain anonymous.

Rare Harry Potter Book Sold For £150,000 Pounds: Who Bought It?

A Week In News

Ray Manzarek Dies, Taylor Swift's Disgusted Reaction and Brad Pitt Talks Drugs

A Week In News: Ray Manzarek Dies, Taylor Swift's Disgusted Reaction and Brad Pitt Talks Drugs

'Fast And Furious 6' Accelerates To Box Office No.1

Rub your eyes in disbelief, Luhrmann's getting trounced by the latest instalment in the Fast & Furious franchise.

More Gloom For Gatsby As 'Fast And Furious 6' Accelerates To Box Office No.1

Man Of Steel - International Trailer

Piece by piece we're gradually learning more about the plot for Man Of Steel and it's starting to look rather good!

Man Of Steel Trailer

Bon Jovi Lets Rip On Justin Bieber – “Go to F***in’ Work”

Jon Bon Jovi just couldn't keep it bottled up any longer!

Bon Jovi Lets Rip On Justin Bieber – “Go to F***in’ Work”

The Beach Boys - I Get Around (Live/2013) Video

This live verson of 'I Get Around' was filmed whilst The Beach Boys were on tour in 2013.

The Beach Boys - I Get Around (Live/2013) Video

Fruitvale Station Stuns Cannes, Next Stop The Oscars? [Trailer]

The future looks bright for Ryan Coogler's debut feature Fruitvale Station, snapped up by Harvey Weinstein at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

Fruitvale Station Stuns Sundance and Cannes, Next Stop The Oscars?  [Trailer]

RIP Ray Manzarek

When The Musics Over, Turn Out The Lights. The Whisky A Go Go, The Roxy, The Viper Room & The House Of Blues will all...

RIP Ray Manzarek: Doors Man's Influence Cannot Be Quantified


More recommendations

Jason Schwartzman Newsletter

Subscribe to this news alert service to receive news and reviews on Jason Schwartzman

Unsubscribe | Unsubscribe All

Films by Artist: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ