Review of Ghost World (2001) by Eric S — 12 Apr 2013

The way this film ends is what I like most about it. And I say this not to put down the rest of it, but the powerful image and idea of simply disappearing really packs an inherent punch.

I suppose that would be how the film's title creates a rather analogous feel between the world, people, and how things are never quite what they seem to be. And of course, people just fade away in one way or another. That sounds really depressing, but it doesn't have to be if we're living in the moment and appreciate what we have, not what we don't. This is something the two main characters Enid(Thora Birch) and Becky(Scarlett Johansson) do not understand due to their age and the feeling that they have to get out of where they've been after they graduate from high school. Sure this would be natural, but their priorities and outlooks are clouded raising the question of who they are and where they belong.

Steve Buscemi portrays a memorable withdrawn character named Seymour who the girls meet as he's selling old records at a yard/garage sale. Things for him are somewhat bleak as a record collector with a dull job and a girlfriend that keeps him in a rut that he desperately needs to get out of. When he develops a "relationship" with Enid, he begins to realize how things for him do indeed need to change. But in a "Ghost World", perhaps ideas and plans just like to haunt those who can't seem to function in the light of day.

Yet, there is a light side to this film with some cheap laughs which are always of value.