Review of Rushmore (1998) by Conner R — 29 Mar 2010

"I just put that up as a joke. That's probably the hardest geometry equation in the world", explains the teacher. Max Fischer fantasizes solving it to classroom acclaim. Thus begins our foray into the world of the school (Rushmore).

Schwartzman and Murray are kindred spirits of unhindered individuality. Max Bloom (Schwartzman) is Rushmore's living ghost, part of every club, underground principal with his own secretary and constantly involved in some wild play production, but he plays by his own rules where the grades are less important than the journey and this lands him in trouble. He is poor and on scholarship. Herman Blume is a jaded millionaire who is extremely unhappy and is introduced as he gives a speech at Rushmore. About the born wealthy he says, "Just remember; they can buy anything, but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget that." They become unlikely friends. Blume:"What's his name again?"Principal:"Max Fischer." Blume: "Sharp little guy". Principal: "He's one of the worst students we've got.".

When this precocious jack of all trades and entrepeneur of all he embarks upon falls for a teacher, Miss Cross (Olivia Williams) it is fitting that he falls hard. "I guess we both have dead people in our families", and other signs show Fischer they were meant to be. Unfortunately it is an impossible love and she resists his creative advances. when Blume falls for the same woman a rivalry results in hilarious and ingenous episodes which further identify this film as a classic. "I saved latin. What did you do?".

Anderson constantly plays with a sharp eye toward making his characters well focused and unflinching while looking for some innovative way to set his scenes apart from the expected. The result is a truly wonderful work of art focusing on the themes of friendship, loyalty, and individuality.

When Fischer is expelled and sent to a regular high school he gives a speech in class and meets student Margaret Yang, "I don't think I've ever heard of anyone asking to give a speech in class before." "No? How unfortunate." She likes him immediately, but he barely notices her as he is still obsessed with Miss Cross. But Max finally accepts reality and mends his friendship with Dirk, his right hand man at school, and then Blume. He then tries to renuinite Blume and Miss Cross with an invitation to his latest play.

There is vibrant dialogue and a subversive inventive story line so of course this is one of my favorite films. "She's my Rushmore Max." "Yeah, I know, she was mine too.".