Rushmore Review
by "Ross Anthony" (email AT rossanthony DOT com)October 5th, 1999
A Non-Conservative Rush
Rushmore
By Ross Anthony
"When one person has the opportunity to live an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself." This quote, scribbled in a book at the Rushmore School library, sums up this eccentric film.
The son of a barber, Max Fischer (Schwartzman), scores a scholarship to the prim and expensive private Rushmore via a play he'd written in second grade. Nerdy, yet rebellious, Max embraces the extra-curricular opportunities at the prep school -- founding or leading every club from bee-keeping to fencing. However, such diversion of attention leaves his grades severely lacking. This, coupled with his extreme antics, intended to win the heart of a young teacher (Williams), Max finds himself expelled.
"This was supposed to be my night! You hurt my feelings!" Max exclaims to Miss Cross in an attempt to excuse his very funny berating of her boyfriend. It's a delightful scene, and just one of many.
Max befriends Mr. Blume (Murray), a millionaire who hates rich people. Blume attempts to help Max win over Cross, but ends up falling in love with her himself.
Bizarre friendships develop well and richly in this oddly funny film. If you're tired of the usual movie -- I strongly recommend "Rushmore," you'll find it quite refreshing. (Check under the theater seating for "safety glasses and air plugs.")
Starring Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Olivia Williams.
Directed by Wes Anderson (Bottle Rocket).
Grade..........................A
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Copyright © 1999 Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit:
http://RossAnthony.com
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
