DVD Review: Ghost World (A-)

Ghost World (2001)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff
Starring Thora Birch, Scarlett Johannsen and Steve Buscemi
Rating: A-

Review by Scott Standish

Terry Zwigoff, the director of the fascinating documentary Crumb returns with a fantastic comedy about the pain of growing into an adult. Based on the underground comic of the same name, Ghost World stars Thora Birch (best known for portraying Kevin Spacey's daughter in American Beauty) as a funky chick that (like most teenage girls) seems to define her individuality by the degree to which she rebels against conformity. Funky clothes, glasses, music and more make up the package that is Enid.

Enid and Rebecca have just graduated high school and despite their plans to get a place together, they slowly drift apart as Rebecca gets a job, and Enid doesn't. Instead, Enid discovers the older Seymour (Steve Buscemi, in a remarkable performance), an obsessive collector of old jazz/blues/roots music and art. Enid takes the nerdish Seymour under her wing and attempts to set him up with a girlfriend- only to find herself falling for him. Rebecca and Enid are best of friends, but tensions grow as they begin to see the future differently.

What makes Ghost World so incredible is the assured manner in which director Terry Zwigoff deftly handles the insecurity laced sarcasm that saturates this film. Enid and Rebecca have coped with their insecurities about the future by knocking just about everyone, and their biting style of humor is right on target. Thora Birch really feels in control of the lead role here, and it's clear that this is a breakthrough performance for her. Ghost World has a splendid ending (no, I won't spoil it for you), but I can say that its not your typical "everything gets wrapped up nicely" Hollywood endings.

There are great supporting players as well. Bob Balaban plays Enid's spineless dad, and the always wonderful Teri Garr makes a small appearance as well. There is also some weird shirtless guy with nun-chucks that shows up throughout the film, for no reason other than to just crack everyone up. A risky character to be sure, but for some reason, it works.
Terry Zwigoff and Daniel Clowe's witty and assured script was nominated for a best screenplay Oscar. Funny, tragic, insightful and hip, Ghost World is definitely one of the best teen comedies to come out in years.

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