One of the most distinctive of contemporary filmmakers, it was really with Rushmore, his follow-up to debut Bottle Rocket (1996), that what is now so clearly recognisable as Wes Anderson’s style first became identifiable. Anderson regular Jason Schwartzman is Max Fischer, student at the titular private school. Max is the driving force behind many of the schools extra-curricular activities, but struggles academically. Max’s crush on teacher Rosemary (Olivia Williams) and friendship with jaded businessman Herman (Bill Murray, for whose career the film began a new chapter) cause seismic upheavals in Max’s life in one of the decade’s most significant films. 

The screening will be introduced by Dr Laura Canning, Falmouth University, who will present an IFI Talk on American independent cinema of the 1990s at 18.30, before this screening. IFI Talk tickets on sale here.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the American Independents season.