Arnold
Tash Jayasinghe
CibbuanoGhost World
October 2nd 2006 10:59
Ghost World (2002)
'Ghost World' is one of those odd-looking films that just scream out 'Cult!' Being based on a cult comic/graphic novel certainly helps, and featuring the talents of a unique and motley assortment of some of today's favourite character actors (and then-rising star Scarlett Johansson) will no doubt solidify it's reputation.
Just by knowing about this film I knew I would like it. The tale of two disaffected teenage girls, fresh out of high school and forever in a world of outcasts like themselves, the film parades the lead character, Enid (Thora Birch), in her meandering refusal to move forward in the lost months between life and high school (a time that should be familiar to more than a few of us).
'Ghost World' builds itself a pocket world within American suburbia, Enid (along with her best friend Becky) wanders around her hometown, associating with the various outcasts and loners who've slipped through the cracks of society. Among these colourful and wonderful characters is Seymour (Buscemi), a lonely record-collector, who finds himself connecting with Enid - despite her being twenty years younger than him.
The film is low on plot, but the dialogue is witty and well-informed. All are perfectly suited to their roles, especially Buscemi as Seymour and Illeana Douglas as Enid's Art teacher - Roberta. Thora Birch, whilst her character sometimes borders on very-annoying, showcases far more talent than I ever imagined her to possess, and Scarlett Johansson is equally brilliant, despite being sidelined for most of the film. The direction is nothing too flashy, helping highlight the boredom of the suburbia-wasteland and allowing the characters to shine.
This is a film I could watch a few more times, a lot of the dialogue is subtle and worth getting. The ending is a little too open and felt a little off to me, but I guess it suits the tone of the overall film.
HIGHLIGHTS: Watch out for Doug, a mullet-sporting, nunchukka-wielding muscle-man who spends all day at the general store. His lines are easily the funniest in the film.
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