It’s now 20 years since Wes Anderson’s beloved prep school comedy, chronicling the romantic and scholarly pursuits of the extracurricular king of Rushmore Preparatory School, Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), confirmed its director as one of the most vibrant and original voices in American cinema.
Earlier this year we spoke to Schwartzman about how the whole experience of meeting Wes and making the film changed his life, and now, to celebrate The Criterion Collection’s new Blu-ray edition, we’re taking an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Rushmore courtesy of Wes’ younger brother, Eric Chase Anderson.
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Filmed on the set during production and originally featured on Criterion’s DVD release of the film in 1998, Eric’s short documentary captures candid moments between the cast and crew while offering fascinating first-hand insight into Wes’ creative process.
In the below clip, narrated by Eric himself, we first see Schwartzman being hooked up to a rappel line for the film’s climactic Vietnam War play scene. Next there’s a brief look at how some of the sound effects were recorded, followed by make-up artist Bob Harper applying crystals to Schwartzman’s eyes in order to make them appear irritated.
There’s also the joyous sight of Wes assisting in the pine cone attack on his young leading man, and a typically wry parting shot from Bill Murray, dressed in full Herman Blume garb but notably out of character.
Rushmore is released 29 October via the The Criterion Collection.
