Review of Ghost World (2001) by Mohamed F — 06 Sep 2011

I think most would agree when I say that the world has enough high school and coming of age movies and most of the time I ignore them as they really aren't worth watching, but Ghost World stands as a fine example of what a coming of age should be like. Ghost World may seem like your typical coming of age post-high school movie, but it is much more than that. What makes Ghost World stand out is the amazing performances by Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi.

Birch plays Enid, a social outsider, who hates the world around her and has a hard time relating to other people. She has one best friend, Rebecca, who she hangs out and makes fun of other people with. It's clear from the start of Ghost World that Enid is not your typical teenager. When Enid's classmate is giving a speech at her high school graduation Enid whispers to Rebecca, "I liked her so much better when she was an addicted crackhead," and they both chuckle to themselves.

Though Enid is almost always cynical what makes her so relatable is that she also has a very compassionate side. When at a post-graduation party with her classmates she sees another social outsider and tells Rebecca that they will never see him again and comments on how sad that is. Enid also shows a great compassion for Seymour, played by Buscemi, and says, "I guess I just can't stand a world where a guy like you can't get a date." She goes on to form a strong relationship with him and her life will forever change.

As mentioned before the performances in this movie make it what it is and that is where the film ultimately succeeds. Thora Birch does a remarkable job making the character Enid her own and whatever she left unfinished as Jane Burnham, from American Beauty, she completes with Enid. As great as Birch is the main standout of the movie is Steve Buscemi. He does a phenomenal job playing Seymour, a lonely man who collects old Blues records, and does a great accompanying Enid as she tries to figure her life out.

Ghost World is a colorful film with great pacing and it never misses a beat. It perfectly shows the relationship between Enid and Rebecca and how because they want different things in their lives that their strong friendship will ultimately deteriorate. Another stand out for Ghost World is the soundtrack. The theme song for this movie is quite impressive and adds to somewhat cynical and depressive nature of the Enid and the film itself. The soundtrack is also filled with some great blues track that help set the mood of the film.

Ghost World stands as one of my favorite movies of all time because I can relate to Enid and maybe even more so to Rebecca. The movie may some turn off with its cynical take on Enid's personality, but to me seeing her react to the world around her was more often than not hilarious and added to the overall experience of the movie. The movie is filled with great performances and one great soundtrack. This movie is not to be missed and is a true standout of the year 2001.