A Reel 25: BOTTLE ROCKET

 “On the run from Johnny Law. Ain’t no trip to Cleveland!” 

 

This month marks the 25^th anniversary of BOTTLE ROCKET. 

 

The feature debut of stylish and acclaimed director Wes Anderson, BOTTLE ROCKET was a remake of Anderson’s own short film of the same name, which was produced in 1992 and released two years later. The feature tells the story of Anthony (Luke Wilson), and Dignan (Owen Wilson), who decide to become professional thieves. They recruit Bob (Robert Musgrave), their rich friend as the getaway-car driver, and the three set off on a road trip where they hope to begin a crime spree that would impress Mr. Henry (James Caan), a part-time kinda-sorta mob boss. 

 

Filmed in and around Dallas, Fort Worth, and Hillsboro, Texas…BOTTLE ROCKET was filmed on a tight budget. It was co-written by Owen Wilson, who along with his brother Luke, would be making their acting debuts (the two had also appeared in the short film). A third Wilson brother, Andrew, also appears in the film. The cast would be rounded out by Lumi Cavazos, a love interest for Luke Wilson’s character. 

 

The storyline would move more into a comedy than a crime film, as the three main characters are completely un-equipped and un-prepared to begin a life of crime. The three are complicated characters; rejects that can’t help but to turn to the outlaw life. 

 

BOTTLE ROCKET was a commercial failure but it was the springboard for Wes Anderson’s career, who earned attention from critics. Famed director Martin Scorsese would later name the film as one of his favorites of the 1990’s. 

 

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For many fans of Wes Anderson, whose unique style is like none of his peers, our introduction to him didn’t come until 2001, when his acclaimed third feature, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, earned a wide release. Looking back at BOTTLE ROCKET, it’s a film that works very well despite obvious limitations on budget…and it’s clear that Anderson was still finding his way as a director. By shooting on-location in real-life settings (bookstores, warehouses, motels), the film lacks that wonderful set design that his films are known for…but his special touch in dialogue, banter between characters, and establishing situations are there. BOTTLE ROCKET may not be considered to be the amongst the best of Anderson’s works, but it is the launching pad for what would come over the next 25 years. 

 

“You know Jonathan…the world needs dreamers.”