Review of Rushmore (1998) by Shane M — 16 Mar 2014

One of Wes Anderson's best films, and one of his quirkiest. Rushmore follows a student at a school named Rushmore, and a rich industrialist, fight for an elementary school teacher. Anderson uses many of his quirks that give the film a distinct narrative and visual style, and it explores the characters without losing focus on the plot.

The focus on the characters is well-crafted as their backgrounds, family, and personal lives are explored, giving filmgoers top-notch characterization. The film has nonstop laughs and emotion, courtesy of co-writer/director Wes Anderson, and co-writer (also long-time collaborator) Owen Wilson.

Rushmore explores the themes of love, friendship, trust, and what you're chasing. Wes Anderson is great in the director's chair, using his visual style to aid with the narrative in the story, and he and Wilson craft a hilarious and intelligent script that make this 100% entertaining.

The acting is great, and the debut of Jason Schwartzman is no exception, especially when alongside Bill Murray, another collaborator, and a comedy great that shows that he has a thing for independent films.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, and it proves to be a worthwhile "bromance" if you think about it (probably not though). Bill Murray proves to be amazing in his role, and has an Independent Spirit Award, and a Golden Globe nod to prove it, even if it restrains him a little bit, although it does give audiences a more mature role for Murray.

A must-see, and proof that shows that independent films are in the rise, and that independent films could be better than mainstream films.