Review of Paranoid Park (2007) by Omer J — 03 May 2009

Paranoid Park seems to function more as a drawn-out short than as a feature length film, but don't think for a second it won't catch you in it's grasp and hold on tight. Van Sant seems more in his element here than he does in his more mainstream works (Milk, Good Will Hunting) and puts together story fragments and Super-8 footage that weave delicately into an arresting portrait of adolescence, and the realizations that come with it.

With a cast made up of largely non-actors, some characters come off a bit flat, but it's really Van Sant's direction, renowned Christopher Doyle's inspired cinematography, and the stunning sound design that are on display here.

The plot is minimal, so don't expect many twists and turns, but this is clearly one of Van Sant's most personal and effective films. Don't miss out.