Director Wes Anderson
Written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson

Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, Seymour Cassel, Brian Cox, Mason Gamble, Sara Tanaka, Stephen McCole, Connie Nielsen, Luke Wilson

Fifteen year old Max Fisher (Schwartzman) attends the prestigious Rushmore Academy, filled with the uber rich, however he is there on a scholarship. He is in practically ever extra curricular activity the school has, but is failing almost all his lessons. To him, Rushmore is his whole identity, and without it he feels lost.

He is told to bring his grades up or face expulsion, – and at the same time has befriended two new adults in his life. There is the rich industrialist Herman Blume (Murray) whose children go to Rushmore, and the new elementary school teacher Rosemary Cross (Williams) whom he becomes infatuated with. When the two adults find themselves romantically involved, Max spirals. Will he lose his new friends, and will he lose Rushmore?

Exceptionally well written and directed comedy drama, with some amazing performances – especially from Murray who found a second life with the filmmaker Wes Anderson, and would go on to star with in his films many more times.

It also delves deep into friendships and relationships. Both Fisher at 15, and Blume at 50 are finding themselves at crossroads in their lives. While they are in dramatically different age brackets, they share a connection – and develop a friendship, even if it might be hampered by the love triangle that includes Rosemary.

With a quirky score and soundtrack that compliments the film nicely, this is a lovely little film that has some great performances.

4/5