JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
GhostWorld (2001)
GhostWorld
DVD Cover
Director: Terry Zwigoff
Writer: David Clowes
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Thora Birch, Steve Buscemi, Brad Renfro, Illeana Douglas, David Cross
“Medium? Why sir, did you know that for a mere 25 cents more you can purchase a large beverage? And you know... I'm only telling you this because we're such good friends: Medium is really only for suckers who don't know the concept of value.”-Enid
Director Terry Zwiggof (Bad Santa, Art School Confidential) made his debut with the uncomfortably amusing documentary called Crumb. It entered the world of Robert Crumb, the moody, down trodden artist and creator of the comic book American Splendour, inspiring a feature film in 2003.
I mention Crumb because those familiar with this universe, will immediately find a kinship in the graphic novel and film of Ghost World. Basking in the glow of geek filled suburbia; this dead pan comedy shows that the weird, unusual and peculiar are the most interesting people to know.
Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) are outsider teens, just out of high school and looking to spend the rest of their lives critiquing society, listening to underground music and remaining individuals.
“If he's so weird, why is he wearing Nikes?”-Enid
Far too intelligent for their own good, the pair sees no future in the mundane existence of work, family and mainstream values. As happens in life, self-awareness starts creeping in and outside forces begin to define them. Plans change, people change, hairstyles change and the two begin to grow apart.
John Doe says:
I see a lot of my own life in films like this and that is part of its attraction. These people are passionate individuals who obsess upon their love of the collectible and hard to obtain with emotional single mindedness.
Loneliness and dysfunction are natural side effects of living outside the norm. Learning to assimilate and accept who you are is the central theme of these two girls journey.
Screenwriter David Clowes translates his own graphic novel, managing to retain the essence in the screenplay. The characters are very real and their foibles and faults are as rich as their attributes. I cared about the Enid and Rebecca and all the other eccentrics that complete the talented cast.
Scarlett Johansson (The Man Who Wasn’t There, Lost In Translation, Match Point) and Thora Birch (American Beauty, Silver City) appear completely natural together. The characters come to life in their hands and are a joy to watch.
Lovably bizarre and emotionally rich, Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs, Tree Lounges, Living In Oblivion, Big Lebowski) seems to make Seymour an extension of his own personality. Brad Renfro, David Cross and Illeana Douglas are also a treat to observe.
“Maybe I don't want to meet someone who shares my interests. I hate my interests.”-Seymour
The eclectic soundtrack and colourful lensing complete the filmmakers vision and make this film a joy on every level. A film that always makes me laugh and often forces some self reflection, touching and heartfelt.
The DVD:
The feature is in Widescreen with 5.1 dolby digital sound. Included are some enlightening extra scenes and alternate takes plus a making of featurette that leaves you wanting more. As a bonus you also get the music video of Gumnaam Jaan Pehechaan Ho.
Writer: David Clowes
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Thora Birch, Steve Buscemi, Brad Renfro, Illeana Douglas, David Cross
“Medium? Why sir, did you know that for a mere 25 cents more you can purchase a large beverage? And you know... I'm only telling you this because we're such good friends: Medium is really only for suckers who don't know the concept of value.”-Enid
Director Terry Zwiggof (Bad Santa, Art School Confidential) made his debut with the uncomfortably amusing documentary called Crumb. It entered the world of Robert Crumb, the moody, down trodden artist and creator of the comic book American Splendour, inspiring a feature film in 2003.
I mention Crumb because those familiar with this universe, will immediately find a kinship in the graphic novel and film of Ghost World. Basking in the glow of geek filled suburbia; this dead pan comedy shows that the weird, unusual and peculiar are the most interesting people to know.
Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) are outsider teens, just out of high school and looking to spend the rest of their lives critiquing society, listening to underground music and remaining individuals.
Far too intelligent for their own good, the pair sees no future in the mundane existence of work, family and mainstream values. As happens in life, self-awareness starts creeping in and outside forces begin to define them. Plans change, people change, hairstyles change and the two begin to grow apart.
John Doe says:
I see a lot of my own life in films like this and that is part of its attraction. These people are passionate individuals who obsess upon their love of the collectible and hard to obtain with emotional single mindedness.
Loneliness and dysfunction are natural side effects of living outside the norm. Learning to assimilate and accept who you are is the central theme of these two girls journey.
Screenwriter David Clowes translates his own graphic novel, managing to retain the essence in the screenplay. The characters are very real and their foibles and faults are as rich as their attributes. I cared about the Enid and Rebecca and all the other eccentrics that complete the talented cast.
Scarlett Johansson (The Man Who Wasn’t There, Lost In Translation, Match Point) and Thora Birch (American Beauty, Silver City) appear completely natural together. The characters come to life in their hands and are a joy to watch.
Lovably bizarre and emotionally rich, Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs, Tree Lounges, Living In Oblivion, Big Lebowski) seems to make Seymour an extension of his own personality. Brad Renfro, David Cross and Illeana Douglas are also a treat to observe.
“Maybe I don't want to meet someone who shares my interests. I hate my interests.”-Seymour
The eclectic soundtrack and colourful lensing complete the filmmakers vision and make this film a joy on every level. A film that always makes me laugh and often forces some self reflection, touching and heartfelt.
The DVD:
The feature is in Widescreen with 5.1 dolby digital sound. Included are some enlightening extra scenes and alternate takes plus a making of featurette that leaves you wanting more. As a bonus you also get the music video of Gumnaam Jaan Pehechaan Ho.
"I don't think Im a fan of Life"
Horrorphile
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Film & TV on DVD
Cib, This really is the film that made Scarlett a star, still her best performance IMO.
Philosophy Blog
It's just wrong that Buscemi does Thora Birch.
Not quite sure what to make of the ending... As I recall, Birch disappears.
I've never read the graphic novel, but perhaps it's something like, "too good for this world" or "too doesn't-fit-into-this-world".
Perhaps there's a similar theme in: Being There (at the end, Sellars just walks off on the water); grail legends (?Gawain is taken up directly to heaven; he's too pure); Virgin Suicides; and the character in One Hundred Years of Solitude who's too beautiful for this world.
Hmm... maybe there's a blog entry for me there, collecting all these references...
Groovy.
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Craig thanks for dropping in, the film is a kind of evolution from Hal Ashbys Harold and Maude.
I think if Ashby was working today he would probably make films like Ghostworld, or Wes Anderson films.
Horrorphile
Film & TV on DVD
Horrorphile
Are you talking about Garcia Marquez's 20th century masterpiece???
With a handle like "celebrity fox" you must have the attention span that lasts the few pages of a trashy magazine, huh?
I winced and giggled my way through and tried to have Steve Buscemi declared a god.
Not sure about it being Scarlett J.'s best performance (although it was very good), I liked her in Lost in Translation as well (That is my favourite movie of all time).
Film & TV on DVD
Your on the cool kids list now that you've shown your love for Ghostworld.
I enjoyed Sophia Coppolla's Lost in Translation as well, but must admit that Virgin Suicides is my fave by the director.
Come back anytime....
Film & TV on DVD
Massive fan of Bill Murray here too. (Stripes, Caddyshack Ghostbusters, Where The Buffalo Roam)
I really dig his latest incarnation in the Wes Anderson films, he was superb in Rushmore.
Sophia Coppolla's Marie Antoinette looks like it could go either way, Ive heard mixed buzz too.
Philosophy Blog
Film & TV on DVD
I will cruise over and check it out.