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| Rushmore
Year: 1999
Classification: Comedy
Directed:
- Wes Anderson
Actors/Actresses:
- Connie Nielsen
- Owen Wilson
- Luke Wilson
- Jason Schwartzman
- Bill Murray
Ten stars if it was allowed
By far one of the best films that has come out in recent film history. I don't even know where to begin. From the amazing script that is just one long enjoyable ride of dark humor to the incredible performances of Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Olivia Williams et al to even the music which pulls from classic Brit Invansion tunes. Considering that I bought the Criterion Edition, I feel that a review of that edition is in order.
This is why DVDs were invented. It includes the movie, of course, but a great commentary from director Wes Anderson, coscreenwriter Owen Wilson and actor Schwartzman. It also has a great behind the scenes documentary, by Anderson's brother. The 1999 MTV movie awards clips, where the Max Fischer plays reproduce scenes from Truman Show, Armageddon and Out of Sight is brillaintly, and a great addition to this DVD. There are even interviews with Murray and Wes Anderson from the Charlie Rose show! Even after watching the movie this DVD kept me completely engrossed for hours. It even includes a section called color bars...those lovely "this is only a test of the emergency broadcasting system" bars that we all grew up to love.
So if you haven't scene this movie yet, you are missing out on an American classic. And if you have seen it and are looking for the right way of adding it to your movie collection the Criterion Edition is the perfect choice.
Entertaining and Brilliant
Rushmore is an exquisite piece of film, full or rich and subtle detail, humor, and insights into the human heart. Anderson has a keen eye, and the tableaux he provides for the viewer are inspired. From the quirky Victoriana of Rushmore Academy, to the working-class grit of the Fischer household, Anderson's camerawork delights the eye.
Jason Schwartzman, who plays the protaganist Max Fischer, turns in an excellent performance. Bill Murray and Olivia Williams are also great to watch, and the trio has an irresistable chemistry. The kid who plays Dirk Calloway, Max's sharp but morose chapel partner, is absolutely hysterical.
Rushmore is a very clever coming-of-age story, and the beautiful blending of story, character developement, images, actors' performances, and music make it one of those movies that remind you why you fell in love with cinema. Anderson and Owen are true masters of their medium, and their other works Bottle Rocket and The Royal Tenembaums are also must-sees. The Criterion Collection DVD is fantastic, with many great features. The Criterion Rushmore is an excellent addition to any film lover's collection.
requires a certain type of humor to appreciate it
The owner of the video store warned us about this movie - it only appeals to a certain segment of the population, he told us. He was right. Among the audience I watched it with, half loved it and half hated it. I didn't appreciate the movie's humor because I thought it failed to develop a minimal level of empathy for the characters. As a result, I couldn't convince myself to care much as they moved from debacle to debacle. Not very entertaining in my opinion, but it seems to appeal to some, especially those that sympathize with oddball characters.
Buy Rushmore at Amazon.com
Buy posters at Allposters.com
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