Critique: Ghost World is a quirky, finely wrought, engrossing piece of filmmaking. Terry Zwigoff creates a world that comes to life with eccentric characters, and wild personalities. The social commentary is accurate, and fascinating. The cinematography, by Affonso Beato, is tremendously polished. The score by David Kitay is haunting and unusual. The screenplay by Daniel Clowes (who created the comic book for which the film is based) and director Terry Zwigoff, is intelligent, interesting and often challenging. The one thing that will be remembered about this film is the wickedly unusual characters, especially the minor ones. Enid's father is absolutely hilarious, and so is the trashy guy that hangs around the store the protagonists visit frequently. The world of Ghost World is carefully textured, and deep in thought and mood. It is disturbing, enjoyable, but there is always a feeling that what we are seeing is unreal. 'Ghost' is always wonderfully artistic in technique, and entertaining in its storyline.
One of the bull's eyes that Ghost World hits in its social commentary is the fact that the protagonists know what is wrong with the world, but cannot express it. That fact rings true on several levels. Much of the commentary in the film is said indirrectly by the characters. They say something that almost sounds right, but by doing so bringing up issues that are even more valid. Sometimes they merely say the commentary, and that's just as effective.
There are a lot of sensitive scenes, and emotional interplay that helps the film connect to the audience. It definately rings true honestly in these attempts. The film towers in subtlety, for better or for worse. It never hammers home any emotional plot points.
In conclusion, Ghost World is a mesmerizing, thought provoking, often hilarious film. The film takes place in a distorted world, but still pertains to real life. It contains honest emotion, smart social commentary, and delightfully odd characters.
review by supernothingman |
