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review: Oh, my freaking god. Rushmore is, without a doubt, one of the best films I have seen, ever! God, just looking over stills from the film to run with this review sent me reeling and getting all choked up about this film. It is that good!
It's the story of an eccentric 10th grader at Rushmore Academy named Max Fischer (Schwartzman). He's created tons of clubs at campus, everything from fencing to the Beekeepers Society. Then he meets a lovely first grade teacher named Ms. Cross (Olivia Williams), who he obviously can never be with. Then, to make his heartbreak even more difficult, she falls for his friend Mr. Blume (Bill Murray). Mr. Blume is a depressed industry tycoon and a mentor to young Max. Feeling rejected and horribly betrayed, Max begins a war between himself and Mr. Blume that escalates into incredible proportions.
God, director/writer Wes Anderson just really, really knocked my socks off with this movie! First off, the script is so heartfelt and moving. The characters are sort-of comical in their extremities and quirks, but they're never made to feel like caricatures. They feel like real, true fleshed-out people with real sadness and loneliness and joy. I know that sounds lame, but I don't care. One thing that sometimes bothers me about movies is that the characters will either be really, really good or really, really bad. That's not real life. In real life, people are good but sometimes they'll do bad things or vice versa. Real people are much more complex, and wow, oh, wow, does Anderson do an excellent job of conveying that!
With Max, Anderson has created a character much like Holden Caufield, and that's not a comparison that I use lightly! Anderson's writing, careful direction and Schwartzman's honest portrayal help to give understanding to Max's actions and a sympathy for this confused adolescent.
Additionally, with Mr. Blume, Anderson does it once again. Bill Murray is so brilliant in his performance. I've never cared for this man as an actor, but for once, he really impressed me as the lonely, saddened businessman.
And even the supporting characters have depth to them! Ms. Cross is (thank god) more than just a pretty face. Anderson's script allows her to show a glimpse of her darker side, which I'm so glad he does! (Rather than the absolutely-perfect love interest, like Mary in "There's Something About Mary" which doesn't really compare to this movie, but I think you know what I am driving at...) Also, Max's friends are so well-done! Mason Gamble does a touching job as Max's chapel partner and true friend, and Sara Tanaka is so sweet as a classmate with a crush on Max. Both of these young actors (and I do mean young, like pre-teen age) take these small roles and give them such life! Yes, I know I sound dopey in this review, but this movie was just soo freaking good!
One last thing: the soundtrack is excellent collection of British Invasion tracks from the Kinks, John Lennon and Cat Stevens --- and it works soo perfectly as the soundtrack to the story of rebellious young Max. God, I just want to see this movie again now that I've finished this review... (janice.98)
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