Review of Paranoid Park (2007) by Andrij Z — 10 Oct 2008

Like Elephant, Paranoid Park is a study of memory and introspection. Throughout the course of the film, Van Sant provides small captures of larger events and then later replays them into a complete picture. It's similar to viewing a thumbnail versus a high-resolution image or viewing a situation at an extreme close-up and then pulling back to a long shot.

The film is relatively light on plot, but it's not entirely about substance as it is about thought process and atmosphere. Handheld cameras follow skateboarders closely at Paranoid Park. From the opening shot of the Portland bridge, Van Sant manipulates time, capturing traffic at rapid speed. Conversely, when characters are performing tricks, the camera slows to about half speed. This technique is used to emphasize the importance of a singular moment. Additionally, there are several unfocused (out-of-focus) scenes, relaying a sense of Alex's confusion.

The extraordinary soundtrack that accompanies the film also promotes the striking, hazy mood with memorable tunes from Elliott Smith, Nino Rota, Ethan Rose, and Cast King.

I'd also like to credit Paranoid Park with the most beautiful teenage sex scene I've ever seen; it is so emotionally honest and uninfluenced. It's about as pure as it gets, and you will not forget it.