Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2013
Course Name
CM325 - Media Studies
Faculty
Michael Dwyer
Department
Media & Communication; College of Arts & Sciences
Abstract
This essay attempts to explain the theory of Dwight Macdonald's Midcult from his essay Masscult and Midcult: Essays Against the American Grain and presents examples of the concept in Wes Anderson’s film Rushmore (1998). Midcult is described a hybrid of cultures in our society between High Culture and Masscult. Midcult presents itself as part of the High Culture but corrupts High Culture standards by being formulaic and without any standards except for popularity (Macdonald, 398). Rushmore details the life of Max Fischer, a prep school student who strives for recognition. Within the film Max exemplifies the concept of Midcult by posing as a part of the High Culture through his appearance, actions, and speech.
Recommended Citation
Pugh, Emily A., "Rushmore’s Max Fischer and Dwight Macdonald’s “Midcult”" (2013). Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works. 4.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/undergrad_works/4