Review of Ghost World (2001) by Luke P — 05 Aug 2009

Based on Daniel Clowes' graphic novels of the same name, Ghost World is one of the few "quirky indie" films that doesn't make me want to hurt someone. I actually really love it. Admittedly, the main characters (played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson) are cruel, self-involved and generally unlikeable.

But the themes that Clowes and Terry Zwigoff bring to this film are so universal and relatable that it elevates the film. Anyone whose ever feared growing up, whose finished school and then drifted, unsure where their ambitions lie, whose ever felt disconnected from the world, alone, unable to connect with humanity.

This film addresses these feelings. Amongst this, there's also room for lots of humour, vivid, fully formed characters, neat visual touches. The actors are all superb, espicially the always excellent Steve Buscemi, and Zwigoff brings the world of Clowes' comic to vivid life.

A great little independent film that avoids just being kooky and quirky to bring some actual substance to the forefront. It's also endlessly entertaining, as well as poignant, and will touch a nerve with people my age.

Good stuff.