December’s Buzz:

RUSHMORE
An Analysis
(Copyright 2003)

by
Kathryn McCullough

While it is usually easy to spot the structure of an older movie, contemporary films often appear more fluid and extemporaneous, free from the bounds of a narrative framework. However, while the sequences might not each take place all in one location, or on one day, or be set-off by fades or dissolves, seemingly free-form modern films still build dramatically in much the same way as their forerunners. Take RUSHMORE for instance.

ACT ONE

First Sequence: The movie opens, showing a situation in which a problem exists: Max Fisher (Jason Schwartzman) is so caught up in extracurricular activities at his beloved private school, Rushmore, that he is on the verge of flunking out. Max meets Mr. Blume (Bill Murray), whose sons attend the school, and the two click as kindred spirits. Meanwhile, Max’s single-minded devotion to Rushmore begins to change when he sets eyes on Miss Cross (Olivia Williams), the pretty first grade teacher. This is the point of attack.

Second Sequence: In an attempt to win Miss Cross’s affections, Max first campaigns to bring back Latin, and then convinces Blume to fund a school aquarium in her honor. At the end of this sequence, Max hits a low point when he declares his love to Miss Cross while out to dinner with her and she rejects him.

ACT TWO

First Sequence: Max, still believing he has a chance with Miss Cross, moves forward with the aquarium. However, Miss Cross does not show up for the groundbreaking, and when Dr. Guggenheim finds out what Max is up to he expels him. Now Max has not only lost Miss Cross, but Rushmore as well.

Second Sequence: Max manages to patch things up with Miss Cross by inserting Blume into the mix as a sort of chaperon/cheerleader. However, Max remains naïve about his situation and the world at large. He snubs Margaret, a student at his new school who attempts to befriend him, and is oblivious to the growing attraction between Miss Cross and Blume. Finally, Max learns that Blume has been seeing Miss Cross secretly, and he is devastated.

Third Sequence: Max declares war on Blume, and the rivalry between the two quickly escalates, culminating in Max’s arrest. Learning that Miss Cross has resigned from Rushmore, Max shows up on her last day at school and makes a pass at her. She chews him out, forcing him to face how ignorant he really is about life. Max meets with Blume and admits defeat in their battle over Miss Cross.

Fourth Sequence: Max drops out of school and goes to work in his father’s barbershop. He runs into Blume, who sadly reports that he is no longer seeing Miss Cross. With Blume out of the way, Max tricks Miss Cross into letting him into her house and then tries to kiss her, but she rejects him once again.

ACT THREE

First Sequence: Max finally accepts the loss of Rushmore, Miss Cross and Blume. He’s changed now, matured. He decides to return to public school and embrace his life there. He reconciles with Blume, and encourages him to go after Miss Cross. Blume revives the aquarium idea but once again, Miss Cross is a no-show at the opening ceremonies.

Second Sequence: Max invites Miss Cross and Blume to his new play at the public school and arranges for them to sit together. The play is a huge success; Blume and Miss Cross tentatively reconcile; and Max embarks on a romance with Margaret.

Writers Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson demonstrate their conscious attention to structure by using title cards to set off the first and third sequences of the second act, and the second sequence of the third act. They also deftly weave in dozens of subplots such as Max’s friendship with his Rushmore classmate Dirk and his war with a bully named Duncan. All of these minor throughlines contain clear beginnings, middles and ends, as well as complications, crises, and climaxes similar to those of the main story. This complex but meticulously crafted structure results in a film in which the tension consistently builds, making it involving from beginning to end.