Our 2023 Staff Picks series continues this month with the film that solidified director Wes Anderson as one of the all-time greats, picked by Sponsorship Sales + Fundraising Manager, Kelley Smith. Here’s what she had to say about her pick:
“I don’t recall the publication, but I once read an interview with Wes Anderson where he was asked to describe his fanbase, and he answered, ‘People who probably think too much.’ Rushmore epitomizes people who think entirely too much.
This film was my official induction into the meticulous world of Wes Anderson. It was one of those defining moments where you look back and realize you’re like, maybe, really weird.
The characters in Rushmore are comfortingly, deeply weird. Max Fischer paradoxically loves Rushmore, yet is the prestigious school’s worst student. His misguided enthusiasm spills over and into all the wrong places. Of course, we all have our own Rushmore. There exists a fine line between love and obsession — Anderson would know. He is the exacting master of characters who destroy everything in their attempt to find love and acceptance.
Plus, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and Brian Cox in some of their finest work, in my opinion. And, the soundtrack is absolutely stellar. Go listen to it now.”
Rushmore is playing at the Sidewalk Cinema November 24 – 30. Get tickets here.