Max is not the only character who grows up over the course of the film; Rushmore also deals with Herman Blume, a middle-aged man struggling with family issues who also develops feelings for Ms. Cross. Blume is characterized as superficially secure in several ways. His speech at the Rushmore chapel is bold and bluntly disillusioned; he is seen hopping over fences and into pools in an undignified manner. Anderson, however, takes care to allow glimpses into his mind, showcasing his stunted emotional development. For example, in an act of retaliation, Blume smashes Max Fischer’s bike with his car, an extremely immature response to a heartbroken adolescent’s frustration. Clearly, Blume felt the need to revert back to his childish ways in order to
