RUSHMMORE is the story of a gifted, rebellious teenager named Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a 10th grader at elite Rushmore Academy. Editor of the school newspaper, captain or president of innumerable clubs and societies, Max is also one of the worst students in the school, and the threat of expulsion hangs permanently over his head. Max's world is rocked when he falls for elegant 1st grade teacher Miss Cross (Olivia Williams) and he plans to erect an aquarium in her honor -- then finds himself competing for her affections with his friend, steel tycoon Mr. Blume (Bill Murray), the wealthy father of two of his classmates.

Known for eccentric characters and wonderfully detailed production design, Wes Anderson films are like Rube Goldberg machines – wacky and serendipitous, yet with purpose and vision. We do move from point A to point B – but it’s really all about the convoluted journey.  

We begin our adventure – and it is indeed an adventure– with the colorful pastiche of a film, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, Anderson’s 2001 breakout hit starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Gene Hackman, Ben Stiller, and longtime collaborators Owen and Luke Wilson. Second in the series and second in Anderson’s oeuvre is RUSHMORE, featuring a young Jason Schwartzman in the role that made him shorthand for “indie quirky guy.” And finally, MOONRISE KINGDOM, a film that, like most of the auteur’s work, teeters between heartfelt coming-of-age and edgy screwball comedy.

All three films feature the director’s trademark for creating highly textured, inventive worlds populated by adults and kids playing mini-adults who, living on the outskirts of convention, are a bit more lonely and reflective. An Anderson film is a joyful excursion into a world of make believe, but with a sometimes pensive perspective. Kind of like how it feels to be enchanted by new fallen snow, with the sobering knowledge of having to shovel.

THE WES ANDERSON STYLE EXPLAINED