Review of Rushmore (1998) by Marissa K — 14 Oct 2013

It's hard to believe that a director really hits his stride with only his second film, but Wes Anderson does so here. While Bottle Rocket has inklings of what's to come, Rushmore is a more fully realized effort.

The narrative flows effortlessly, the performances are pitch perfect melancholy enthusiasm (yes, that's a real thing...or I'm making it a real thing) and the same tone remains throughout. That maintained, almost restrained and understated atmosphere allows for the eccentric characters to shine, and for the escalating antics to seem, well, not so out of place.

It deftly walks the entire spectrum from funny to somber without tipping the balances and becoming maudlin or manipulative. Oh! And that soundtrack!