Rushmore Inspired Dog Names

Creating good film comes from understanding what creates meaning and finding a way to convey that meaning both in text and subtext. Although his methods may be unorthodox, Wes Anderson is a pro at balancing audio and visual elements to create depth for his stories and characters. His methods have become nearly iconic in the realm, first of independent filmmaking and soon after, in more commercial fashions, which is why the red beret-like hat and patched blazer have become nearly universal symbols of his genius — though Jason Schwartzman, when showing up for his audition, actually wore a Rushmore prep blazer complete with a self-made Rushmore patch, of his own will. 

But Anderson hasn’t been the only acclaimed genius to create universal associations with his art direction based on a character named Max. Forty years earlier, a great creative mind also hit the masses with a dose of his insight: Dr. Seuss. 

Although Max wasn’t technically the main character, he may well be one of the most iconic animated dogs to ever hit the pages, let alone the screen. In the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Max plays the sidekick of the Grinch, a green, grouchy and solitary creature of some kind who lives in a cave that overlooks the town of Whoville. Every year the Grinch laments about how happy the Who’s are and plots to spoil their Christmas celebrations by removing everything he believes them to cherish the holiday for: presents, decorations and food. 

Throughout the process, despite the Grinch’s poor treatment of Max, his dog remains loyal, helping him to craft his makeshift Santa costume and haul the massive sleigh down the mountain to steal from the townspeople. But like a true dog, Max’s most redeeming qualities manifest when his master finally has a change of heart, helping him to repay the damage he’s done with sincerity — and that’s literal, Max is the last thing holding the sleigh full of Christmas goodies from careering down the mountain to certain disaster. 

Outside of how he acts within the story, Max’s character is truly encapsulated, much like Max Fischer, by the few elements that adorn his figure, namely the makeshift reindeer antlers. Like a reindeer itself, they are both a sign of and vehicle for bringing goodwill towards others, something Max embodies throughout the cartoon, whether to his master or the greater good of the people of Whoville, turning the simple depiction of a dog with antlers into a symbol of giving.