What was Wes Anderson’s first feature-length film, released in 1996?

Wes Anderson’s first feature-length film, released in 1996, was Bottle Rocket.

The film expanded Anderson’s 1994 short film of the same name into a feature. Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson starred as Dignan and Anthony, two brothers involved in an improvised criminal plan. Robert Musgrave played their friend Bob.

Bottle Rocket was filmed primarily in and around Dallas, Texas, and marked the beginning of Anderson’s long creative partnership with the Wilson brothers. Owen Wilson co-wrote the screenplay with Anderson, while Luke Wilson played the more restrained central character.

The film was produced by James L. Brooks and Polly Platt and distributed by Columbia Pictures. Although it was not a major box-office success, critics noticed its distinctive humor, carefully composed visuals, and unusual character relationships. It is often discussed as the starting point of Anderson’s feature-film career, before Rushmore established him more widely.