Review of Ghost World (2001) by Darcy L — 29 Dec 2008

Essential viewing for all you quirky, indie hipster types. This film is essentially a coming-of-age fable about growing up in a small town and wanting to escape at any cost. The film is adapted from a graphic novel and remains true to the source material.

Thora B and Scarlett J give memorable performances as two lost souls, one an art school type, the other with dreams of domestic bliss. The movie unfolds as they hang out in their boring town, going to garage sales and drinking coffee, essentially doing nothing except talking about how everything sucks.

Steve Buscemi steps in and thickens the plot in a great performance as a blues loving geek who is drawn into the 'ghostly' world of Thora's character before being chewed up and spat out. The film maintains a great reverse-kitschy feel and hipper-than-thou narrative that predates many teen movies that try to explain 18 something angst and the failure of society to give youth direction.

This movie paved the way for many films like Juno, Charlie Bartlett, Igby Goes Down..etc. A must see for anyone who found becoming an adult a difficult transaction. If you like this one also see 'Art School Confidential'.