This is a story about the supremely confident, 15-yr old Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) who reigns over anything that is remotely “extra-curricular” at the Rushmore Academy. Despite failing in his classes, his busy life in Rushmore, right from being in the beekeeping society to writing and producing plays, becomes the reason for his existence.
His life begins to change when he stumbles across the pretty, soft-spoken and recently -widowed elementary school teacher, Miss Rosemary Cross(Olivia Williams). He manages to impress Miss Cross and even gets expelled from Rushmore in the process, but is rejected by Miss Cross.
Around the same time, he is befriended by Herman Blume (Bill Murray), the wealthy industrialist and father to the muscular and incredibly dim-witted twins studying at Rushmore. Herman is impressed by the brilliant and determined Max and the friendship between them offers respite to the depressed Herman, who is suffering from a rocky marriage.
Herman treats Max as his equal and helps him in his efforts to woo Miss Cross but trouble starts brewing when Herman himself begins to fall for her. What ensues is vengeance, retaliation and a full blown war between Max and Herman, who simultaneously, try in vain to win the affections of an unattainable Miss Cross.
How this odd love triangle is resolved, forms the end of the movie. Max’s gesture of patching up the frayed friendship with Herman is both funny and queerly touching. This is a movie that never gets too serious. The one-upmanship battles between Herman and Max remind one of Tom and Jerry. What makes this movie thoroughly enjoyable and a good bet for the weekend, is the vein of comedy that runs throughout the length of the movie, as both, a middle-aged man and a teenager learn valuable lessons about friendship, love, betrayal and life and coping with it all.
This thoroughly enjoyable movie came out in 1998, directed by Wes Anderson and written jointly by Wes and Owen Wilson. What made this movie special for Wes and Wilson, was that it takes from their life. Like Max Fischer, Owen was expelled from his prep school, St. Mark’s School of Texas, in the tenth grade, while Wes shared Max’s ambition, lack of academic ability, and had a crush on an older woman. They knew that they wanted to make a film set in an elite prep school, much like St. John’s School in Houston, Texas which Wes had attended.
Something that must not be missed is the soundtrack, “Ooh La La” that is played over the film’s final shot and closing credits. It was also used as the theme song for the BBC sitcom Grass.
Poor old granddad
I laughed at all his words
I thought he was a bitter man
He spoke of womens ways
Theyll trap you, then they use you
Before you even know
For love is blind and youre far too kind
Dont ever let it show
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger.
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger.
The can cans such a pretty show
Theyll steal your heart away
But backstage, back on earth again
The dressing rooms are grey
They come on strong and it aint too long
Before they make you feel a man
But love is blind and you soon will find
Youre just a boy again
When you want her lips, you get a cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
If you want some more and shes fast asleep
Then shes twinkling with the stars.
Poor young grandson, theres nothing I can say
Youll have to learn, just like me
And thats the hardest way
Ooh la la
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger.
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger.
Here is a look at some of the memorable quotes from the movie:
Max Fischer: Maybe I’m spending too much of my time starting up clubs and putting on plays. I should probably be trying harder to score chicks.
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Max Fischer: The truth is, neither one of us has the slightest idea where this relationship is going. We can’t predict the future.
Rosemary Cross: We don’t have a relationship.
Max Fischer: But we’re friends.
Rosemary Cross: Yes, and that’s all we’re *going* to be. Well, yes…
Max Fischer: That’s all I meant by “relationship.” You want me to grab a dictionary?
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[Max has just petitioned to make Latin a required subject]
Magnus Buchan: [heavy Scottish brogue] Why dincha just piss off, Fischer? Ya dotty wee skid mark!
Max Fischer: Is that Latin?
Rosemary Cross: I’ll show you the door.
Max Fischer: I’ll just go back out the window.
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Dr. Peter Flynn: I didn’t know we were going to dinner.
Max Fischer: Well, that’s because you weren’t invited.
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Max Fischer: What was your major?
Rosemary Cross: I didn’t have a major, but my thesis was on Latin American economic policy.
Max Fischer: Oh, that’s interesting. Did you hear that they’re not going to teach Latin anymore?
Rosemary Cross: This was more like Central America.
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Rosemary Cross: [to Max] You know, you and Herman deserve each other. You’re both little children.
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Herman Blume: Never in my wildest imagination did I ever dream I would have sons like these.
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Concierge: How long would you be staying here, Sir?
Herman Blume: Indefinitely. I’m being sued for divorce.
Concierge: Very good sir.
Rushmore
My public shoe box 