A lover of ensemble films, Wes Anderson has explored that fetish by giving us many large-cast movies. My favorites end up being his more personal films, which are strictly relative to him. Not only do many actors appear, but he shoots wide. That combined with fantastic soundtracks and quirky scripts make his films unmistakably his own.

Bottle Rocket

Bottle Rocket (1996) is directed by Wes Anderson. Anderson’s first feature film is co-written with Owen Wilson, who stars along with his brother Luke Wilson and Robert Musgrave. Notable additions are the third brother Wilson (Andrew Wilson) and James Caan. Bottle Rocket celebrates misfits trying to achieve the lofty dream of making it in an adventurous life of crime. The film was an endearing introduction into the mind of Wes Anderson for me, and it forever holds a sentimental grip in my memory.

Rushmore

Rushmore (1998) is directed by Wes Anderson,and is co-written with his friend and ally, Owen Wilson. This polished follow-up to his first film, Rushmore introduces actor Jason Schwartzman and re-introduces Bill Murray. Bill Murray is able to exchange his former zany persona for a matured and masterful deadpan disposition with this first opportunity into quirky independent films. A motivational boarding school lad has his team of students and adult friends working on his various crafted plans. The movie is both heartfelt and hilarious.

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