'Rushmore' Film Analysis

Continuing with my series comes Wes Anderson's sophomore effort "Rushmore" which is one of my favorites from him. "Rushmore" was filmed at the same school of his adolescent high school years and its protagonist, Max Fischer, played by Jason Schwartzman, is more than likely the basis of Anderson himself at this age. Although one can hope not completely. With Max, Anderson lets the viewer know the kind of character he is from the opening scene where he appears incredibly smart among his peers, but it turns out to just be a dream sequence. Max is a brat and views himself above everyone else, just like the other lead male in the film, adult Herman Bloom, played by Bill Murray. Both men are generous in their time and friendship, but also view themselves above everyone else and act out when they do not get their way. In Rushmore, Anderson makes the argument that men and adolescent teenagers are really no different in their maturity. This is explored when they both fall for the same woman and the actions they take to win her heart, even though one of them is a successful businessman and the other is just a young teenager.