Rushmore (1999) Review

Comedy has been a genre of film which has, and will always be, popular. As the industry changed comedy has changed with it and Rushmore belongs to a type of comedy that could only have existed in the last 20 or so years, the auteur comedy. The auteur comedy is a type of comedy that derives its personality and sense of humor from the unique mind of an author or auteur. These comedies were not possible in the studio era of Hollywood when the humor used in a comedy had to be universal so as to appeal to a wider audience. With the advent of independent filmmakers auteur comedies were made possible because films could now reach more niche audiences. The Coen Brothers are masters of this comedy with their zany, wonderful and totally unique contributions Raising Arizona and the Big Lebowski. Wes Anderson is a relative newcomer to the field but his unique style immediately earned him a following and Rushmore was his breakout movie.

Rushmore tells the story of a fifteen year old boy who falls in love with a first-grade teacher. This simple premise is what allows Anderson to create a unique world populated by equally unique characters. Just when you want to fall into the comfort of a cliché the rug seems to be pulled out from under your feet. Max, the title character, is a unique creation and one of the aspects that I liked best about the film. Schwartzman embodies the character and makes him come to life in an unforgettable way. Bill Murray gets to show some serious acting chops as well, playing Max's adult friend. Their relationship is really the one at the heart of the movie and it is its unique nature that makes the film feel very original. The film is definitely a comedy with lost of humor and absurd situations. Sometimes these situations are so zany they could only exist in an alternate reality.

It is this reality which sets Wes Anderson apart and which also creates his movies' greatest weaknesses. Anderson is not afraid to hold back with his imagination and at times this can create wonder and awe and at other times this can create confusion and dislike. The acting is top notch in this film and the performances add to this world that comes to life before our eyes. Its vivid quality is striking and I think that many will find this movie memorable if only for the world and characters created. Sometimes the film got too wacky in a way I didn't like but I think that this will all be up to personal preference. As with any auteur comedy most people will have parts of the film they really like and identify with and other parts that may be off-putting. Rushmore, while not as good as the best Coen comedies, has many moments that are both funny and incredibly well done. It creates an unforgettable world and I can see why it made Wes Anderson a household name. 4/5