Who directed Wes Anderson’s 1996 film Bottle Rocket?

Wes Anderson directed the 1996 film Bottle Rocket.

Bottle Rocket was Anderson’s feature-film debut and developed from a short film he made with Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson. The feature expanded the short’s story about three friends who attempt an ambitious, poorly planned burglary.

The film marked the beginning of Anderson’s long creative partnership with the Wilson brothers. Owen Wilson co-wrote the screenplay and starred as Dignan, while Luke Wilson played Anthony. James L. Brooks served as a producer, helping the project reach theatrical release.

Bottle Rocket is sometimes confused with Anderson’s 1994 short of the same name, but both versions were directed by Anderson. The short premiered before the feature and established several themes that became recurring elements in his later work, including youthful friendship, elaborate plans, and characters struggling to fit ordinary life.