Movies

Bill Murray’s Second Chance: How ‘Rushmore’ Revived His Career

BBG News

After the online release of the trailer for “The Phoenician Scheme”, movie enthusiasts have started debating their preferences within Wes Anderson’s body of work. Long-time fans appear particularly fond of early productions like “The Royal Tenenbaums,” which featured the late, esteemed Gene Hackman. In contrast, younger fans passionately defend “Fantastic Mr. Fox” or “The Grand Budapest Hotel” as the best. Regardless of their specific rankings, it’s clear that most cinephiles recognize Wes Anderson as one of the greatest and impactful filmmakers of his era.

Every movie in Wes Anderson’s esteemed catalog could be considered his best. Be it his initial directorial work, “Bottle Rocket,” or his latest production, “Asteroid City,” there’s an undeniable and unmistakable charm that permeates each one. Although opinions vary, the film that might just take the cake for its enchanting appeal is his 1998 production, “Rushmore.” This film features Jason Schwartzman and Olivia Williams in lead roles and boasts outstanding performances across the board. However, what sets this movie apart isn’t a standout performance, but rather its impact on reshaping Anderson’s career trajectory.

What is Rushmore About?

There are varying opinions about the man’s work, with some calling it repetitive, self-indulgent, and excessively cute, while others label it revolutionary, eccentric, and visually breathtaking. This 55-year-old screenwriter and director has been producing feature films since 1996, so it’s no surprise that his movies spark differing reactions among viewers – whether they’re fans or critics. However, there’s a common agreement that he has consistently stayed true to his distinctive style from the outset.

Wes Anderson was born with a well-developed cinematic perspective, and Rushmore marked the first time he successfully brought this vision to life. Rushmore is an exceptionally eccentric coming-of-age comedy-drama, conceived by its creators. The movie primarily revolves around themes of unrequited love, obsession, ambition, and youthful friendships, but it also explores the signature Anderson theme of familial sorrow.

The tale of “Rushmore” predominantly revolves around Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), an unusually mature and ambitious 15-year-old student at the picturesque and esteemed Rushmore Academy. Unlike utilizing his exceptional intelligence to excel academically, Max devotes his time to initiating clubs, directing school plays, and courting the mothers of his classmates. On the verge of expulsion due to dismal grades, Max develops an intense infatuation for the latest teacher at Rushmore Academy, Miss Cross (Olivia Williams). He persistently pursues her affections, but is repeatedly rejected because of their considerable age difference and Miss Cross’ reluctance to move on from her recently departed spouse. This unrequited love becomes even more intricate when Max is expelled from Rushmore, and coincidentally learns that his mentor, Herman Blume (Bill Murray), has started dating her.

From here unfolds an emotionally charged story of young love and intense rivalry between Max and Herman, spanning several months. At first glance, the movie appears to be focused on their rivalry, but in reality, it delves into the personal growth of these two complex individuals with numerous flaws. The narrative revolves around reconciliation and unity amidst stark contrasts. Both stagnation and rapid progression can be observed throughout the film, culminating in a harmonious resolution by its end.

As a diehard Wes Anderson fan, I can confidently say that his 1998 masterpiece will sweep you off your feet if you appreciate his other works. Contrary to some critics’ views that Anderson’s films are monotonous, they do have a distinctive thread running through them all. While the subjects, themes, and visual styles may seem familiar from one movie to another, the characters and their unique portrayals of these themes are always fresh. Whether it’s the quirky family dynamics in The Royal Tenenbaums or the bold narrative style in Asteroid City, there’s a Wes Anderson film for every kind of cinephile like me.

Rushmore Was a Critical Smash

Wes Anderson consistently receives praise from film critics. Throughout his career spanning 11 full-length movies, nine have been highly acclaimed by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while just one more of the remaining two films has received negative reviews. Sadly, the movie that fails to meet the mark is “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou“, which is led by Bill Murray.

Regarding Bill Murray’s initial collaboration with Wes Anderson in 2004, their movie “Rushmore” was critically acclaimed despite less-than-ideal circumstances surrounding its release. Critics adored the film’s witty humor, unexpected depth of emotion, and outstanding acting performances. As of 2025, the movie enjoys a 90% fresh rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as an impressive 91% approval rating from audiences. Unfortunately, its success didn’t fully translate to box office returns, with the film just barely recouping its $10 million budget by grossing approximately $17.1 million.

IMDb ScoreTomatometerPopcornmeterLetterboxd Score
7.6/1090%91%3.9/5

Regardless of its modest financial success, Rushmore caught the eye of influential figures in Hollywood for an up-and-coming mid-budget filmmaker: the awards academies. Rushmore was nominated for both the Independent Spirit Awards and the Golden Globes. At the Independent Spirit Awards, the movie clinched the prizes for Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for Bill Murray. However, Murray missed out on a double win at the Golden Globes.

Bill Murray Owes His Career to Rushmore

Bill Murray is undeniably a dominant figure in entertainment, and it’s incorrect to suggest he’d be non-existent without “Rushmore.” However, it’s fair to argue that without “Rushmore,” Murray’s career may have come to an end much sooner. Even before 1998, Murray was already a legendary actor, with memorable roles in films like “Groundhog Day” and “Caddyshack.

Bill Murray, known for his exceptional acting and comedic skills, unintentionally fell into the same predicament that many Hollywood stars experience. For a long time, Bill Murray was repeatedly cast in comical roles that capitalized on his ability to deliver deadpan and witty lines in a repetitive manner. While being typecast can lead to success and longevity, it’s not always sustainable for the long term. However, by securing a role in Wes Anderson’s “Rushmore,” Bill Murray successfully transformed himself into a significant and respected figure in the independent film scene.

It’s highly plausible that the movie “Rushmore” played a crucial role in Bill Murray’s career resurgence, as without it, he might not have had the opportunity to work with talented filmmakers like Sofia Coppola, Jim Jarmusch, and Michael Almereyda. These collaborations eventually led to Murray’s Academy Award nomination for “Lost in Translation,” a role that many modern fans consider his most defining. While it’s impossible to definitively say so, it’s safe to assume that “Rushmore” significantly boosted Murray’s career and possibly even extended his acting life.

In the later stages of his career, Bill Murray now has the freedom to pursue any and all roles that appeal to him. This could range from starring in light-hearted comedies like the 2025 movie “Riff Raff,” potentially joining questionable legacy sequels such as “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” collaborating with his longtime indie friends for films like “The Dead Don’t Die” and the upcoming Wes Anderson project, “The Phonecian Scheme.” No matter what he chooses, Murray is certain to deliver a top-notch performance, as demonstrated by his versatile acting abilities showcased in “Rushmore,” which earned him recognition worthy of Academy Awards.

In retrospect, while Wes Anderson’s entire film collection is outstanding, Rushmore may not rank as the absolute best. However, this doesn’t mean that Rushmore lacks merit. On the contrary, it faces stiff competition within Anderson’s oeuvre. Remarkably, even after 27 years, Rushmore continues to be significant. This film played a pivotal role in launching Jason Schwartzman’s career and revitalizing Bill Murray’s, making it a must-watch for both dedicated Wes Anderson fans and those who are skeptical. The film offers a unique take on the usual Anderson narrative themes that remains fresh to this day. Before Wes Anderson’s stylistic choices became predictable, Rushmore made them indispensable and memorable.

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2025-05-14 07:55

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