Review of Ghost World (2001) by Brett C — 29 Sep 2014

Review In A Nutshell:

Judging from its premise and its first act, I truly thought that I was going to love this film. It seemed to be trying to grasp an idea that was somewhat similar to what Sam Mendes was trying to convey on American Beauty about "normal" society, but as the film kept running, flaws started to appear particularly in its core story between Enid and Seymour. I was not able to connect with the relationship that the film was trying to establish, not for a lack of understanding but rather I felt it could have been handled differently and still would have produced a somewhat similar effect. Though this sort of criticism is purely based on subjectivity and others do not have to agree with me. If there was one aspect of the film that left me impressed, it was Thora Birch's performance as the sarcastic outcast. Her performance, and the way director, Terry Zwigoff, handled it, allowed the character to become much more than just a protagonist but also a symbol for the unique and artistic members out there in society. These individuals simply want to express themselves and live a lifestyle that suits their needs, but society is simply not flexible enough to allow it; they see them as unpredictable and lacking in potential for achievement. The film, I felt does not resolve itself by emphasising this, but instead promotes the idea of avoidance, rather than demonstrating attributes of strength and will in order to cement themselves and express their existence to the world. I doubt what I was saying made any sense to anyone reading this, but it certainly felt rational in my mind. I suggest on giving Ghost World a go, as it isn't an awfully constructed film, it just didn't compliment my distinctive taste.