Little more than six months remain until the release of Wes Anderson's "Life Aquatic," in which Bill Murray plays an oceanographer, with Owen Wilson as his son. SPOILER ALERT: This Ain't It Cool preview probably tells more than you want to know if you're an Anderson fan. The guy's films aren't only hysterically funny, they also have a lot of heart. Unlike, oh, let's say Spielberg, he doesn't telegraph his big emotional scenes; you have to watch closely to catch those moments, which gives them all the more impact. Like when Jason Schwartzman proudly introduces his father the barber (Seymour Cassel) to his wealthy former father figure, Bill Murray, in Rushmore. Or when Gene Hackman finally reconciles with Ben Stiller as the son who justifiably hates him in The Royal Tenenbaums.
Posted by Vernam at June 11, 2004 12:05 AM | TrackBackYep, that's the one, Amy. I'll never understand how Hackman wasn't nominated for an Oscar. Royal's redemption is so genuine, but it was a "comedy," and we all know those can't be taken seriously.
The Rushmore scene is just as poignant. Until then, the kid has spent every waking moment running away from his family background and making an ass of himself the way most creative young guys do. Then all his quirks and passions become clear in that one instant when he stops trying to be what he's not. Suddenly he's an adult capable of harnessing his energy for good purposes.
Amy, I'll spare you the usual "great to hear from you!", since you're always so prone to guilt!
VC
Posted by: VC at June 12, 2004 10:48 PMIt's when Ben Stiller says, "It's been a hard year, Dad" and bends over and pets Sparkplug and Gene Hackman says "I know, Chazzie." It gets me every time. One of my favorite movies ever.
Posted by: Amy at June 12, 2004 01:04 PM