Max Fisher isn’t especially bright or handsome.
But he’s wildly enthusiastic.
I’m guessing he grows up to be a pretty successful guy based on that ability alone.
He also always has the confidence to do whatever it takes to do whatever he wants.
That’s why Bill Murray’s Herman Blume admires Max so much.
It seems that Herman always took the path most traveled.
He got married and had kids despite not liking his wife or his kids.
He’s rich but doesn’t seem all that passionate about his work.
That’s why neither Max nor Herman can handle Miss Cross being in their lives.
For Max, he can’t grapple with not getting something he wants.
He can’t see the difference between forcing Latin class down everyone’s throat and a human being.
For Herman, he can’t process the idea of having anything good in his life.
Rushmore (and later The Royal Tenenbaums) show the best of what Wes Anderson can do.
It’s not a coincidence that they are both co-written by Owen Wilson.
Rushmore works because we see Max go to a public school.
We meet Max’s dad (played with gentle perfection by Seymour Cassell) is a normal barber.
The charisma of both Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman are incredible in this.
They are both play incredibly selfish people but I can’t help but root for both characters.
Rushmore began a new act of Bill Murray roles where he played depressed and lost late middle aged guys.
He was great at it too whether it be this, Lost In Translation or St. Vincent.
I’m not sure what Bill Murray’s final act will be.
He’s 73 now.
It feels like he only does Ghostbuster or Wes Anderson movies now.
I’m sure he’s not a great guy but I really hope he gets that last great role.
Re-watching this again last night was very enjoyable but also frustrating.
But watching Rushmore, you’re free to see all that promise.
I remember seeing this and Royal Tenenbaums in the theaters and really enjoying the odd yet clean quirkiness.
Maybe one day Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson will write together again.
That’s the funny thing about enthusiasm.
It can propel us like it does Max Fisher.
It can also fool us too.
Saving Private Ryan
25.
Dumb & Dumber
27.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
31.
Out Of Sight
36.
Carlito’s Way
37.
Wayne’s World
45.
Back To The Future Part III
47.
A Bronx Tale
48.
The People Vs. Larry Flynt
49.
Eyes Wide Shut
50.
The Green Mile
54.
Man On The Moon
55.
Boyz N The Hood
56.
Grosse Pointe Blank
57.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
63.
The Usual Suspects
65.
In The Line Of Fire
66.
My Cousin Vinny
67.
The River Wild
79.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?
Stir Of Echoes
82.
Mission: Impossible
83.
For Love Of The Game
86.
Being John Malkovich
87.
Men In Black
88.
Glengarry Glen Ross
92.
Die Hard With A Vengeance
93.
The Blair Witch Project
94.
Any Given Sunday
99.
The Wedding Singer
100.
