"When one person has the opportunity to live an
extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to
himself." This quote, scribbled in a book at the
Rushmore School library, sums up this eccentric
film.
The son of a barber, Max Fischer (Schwartzman),
scores a scholarship to the prim and expensive
private Rushmore via a play he'd written in second
grade. Nerdy, yet rebellious, Max embraces the
extra-curricular opportunities at the prep school --
founding or leading every club from bee-keeping to
fencing. However, such diversion of attention leaves
his grades severely lacking. This, coupled with his
extreme antics, intended to win the heart of a young
teacher (Williams), Max finds himself expelled.
"This was supposed to be my night! You hurt
my feelings!" Max exclaims to Miss Cross in an
attempt to excuse his very funny berating of her
boyfriend. It's a delightful scene, and just one of
many.
Max befriends Mr. Blume (Murray), a millionaire
who hates rich people. Blume attempts to help Max win
over Cross, but ends up falling in love with her
himself.
Bizarre friendships develop well and richly in
this oddly funny film. If you're tired of the usual
movie -- I strongly recommend "Rushmore," you'll find
it quite refreshing. (Check under the theater seating
for "safety glasses and air plugs.")
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