Review of Ghost World (2001) by Tyler M — 31 Mar 2012

I can't relate to 99 percent of humanity.

For everyone that's ever felt alone in this world, this one's for you.

The Story: Two teenage girls play a practical joke on a lonely middle aged record collector. The outcome of the joke turns into one of the most interesting and deep friendships this side of independent film. It's less about the two teenage girls, and more about one of them and her friendship with the victim of her joke. It's got kind of a subtle style to it over all, but the characters each have their own carefully crafted style. The humor is here and the drama is just as prevalent as it's packed with emotion as well as good ole' fashion sarcastic humor.

The Cast: Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi... Thora Birch is Enid, the semi-goth, quasi-punk, socially cynical teenage girl. She gives a brilliant performance here that rivals that of her performance in American Beauty. With her outstanding performance, she also carries that understated beauty with her that just makes it impossible to look away any time she's on screen. Scarlett Johansson is Rebecca, Enids best friend. Looking to get on with life and move forward she spends most of the film growing up and moving on. She gives a good performance as the forgotten best friend, but a number of other actress' could have done it just as good. Steve Buscemi is Seymour, as always this man amazes me. Giving an outstanding performance from start to bittersweet finish. He's not stealing the show as he did with Reservoir Dogs, but still makes the film. A one of a kind actor here as he plays the part of the lonely record collecting shut in. Overall it's a solid cast, but it's true quality lies within it's two most important characters, Enid and Seymour, Birch and Buscemi make an incredible pair that shouldn't be missed by any self respecting fan of cinema. You'll feel connected to each character on some level or another, some more than others.

One to Five Scale: 5.

If you pass this one up than you need to rip your eyes out, because you're obviously not using them for anything good.

Tyler.