Symbolism In Rushmore

In a movie where the characters are as strange as the writer himself, there are many major elements portrayed. Rushmore directed by Wes Anderson, brings fourth the life of an unusual character named Max Fischer. He is an extraordinary student involved in many extracurricular activities. These include beekeeping, stamp and coin club, wrestling, Yankee review, French club, and the list goes on. Though he was highly involved in these activities, he was least involved in his education. This motion picture not only challenges and fascinates the viewer, it also brings in elements such as setting, character, and symbolism. Rushmore starts at the beginning of the school year surrounding the strange life of a fifteen-year-old. The movie goes along …show more content…
Water is a major symbol in this movie. Max Fischer was conveyed by Anderson similar to the explorer Jacques Cousteau. In the movie, Max’s dad states “You’re like a captain… married to the sea” (Anderson). Max’s response was that he has been out for a long time. This shows that like Cousteau, Max was in terms “out at sea”. One of the most ironic moments is when Rosemary compares Max to her dead husband that died by drowning. This can show many things, but it is conveyed as if Max continues his feud with his own personal life, he will drown in his sorrows. The second time water is used as a symbol is at the twin’s birthday party, Mr. Blume jumps into the pool and stays under for a certain time. Here, it is conveyed that Herman is hiding from the responsibilities of his family and life. The next time it is used is in Miss Cross’ class with the many aquariums. Max feels that he can win Rosemary’s affection by buying her more fish and building a giant aquarium. This relates back to the dead husband of Miss Cross and the symbolism of water. Altogether, water is a major factor in this film and is seen throughout the characters’ …show more content…
Max’s personal fight is with many things, but his academics is the worst. His life revolves around Rushmore, his private school. Though he involves himself in many activities, he is least involved in academics. Due to this, he is placed on “academic probation” and if he cannot get his grades up he will be expelled. He is later expelled regardless and sent to a public high school. There, he becomes more serious in his schooling and asks Miss Cross for tutoring. Miss Cross is dealing with her own demons at the time. Her husband drowned and so she decided to move back to his hometown and teach at his old school, for she is in fear of losing his memory. When Mr. Blume comes to her house she claims she is house sitting when she is really living in her husband’s room. She does not realize this is affecting her and I found that many people could relate to this. After a loved one passes, we want to make sure we hold onto every aspect of them to not lose their memories. Mr. Blume was an angry and selfish person. He was unhappy in not only his marriage, but also his whole life. He meets Rosemary and he becomes happier, but his selfishness continues. After seeing the turnaround of Max and meeting his father as a barber, his views begin to change. I really enjoyed how each character went through some type of personal growth to fight their

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