When the fun ‘n’ games of high school are over
When two Millennials (Thora Birch and Scarlett Johannson) graduate, they find themselves facing adult questions of making a living, finding a place to live, acquiring a romantic partner and the possibility of college. They make fun of an eccentric, lonely bachelor (Steve Buscemi), but one of them is intrigued and starts a relationship with him under the pretense of finding him a girlfriend.
“Ghost World” (2001) is a drama that starts out quirky and fun, but takes a sobering turn in the second half. It was helmed by the director of the heralded “Crumb” and retains some residue from that documentary. Beyond the amusing bits, it can be interpreted as a scary portrayal of Millennial failure to adjust to capitalism; and possibly an omen for the entire generation.
Based on the late 90s’ graphic novel, it’s essentially a meshing of “The World of Henry Orient” from the early 60s with films like “Lawn Dogs” from four years prior and the contemporaneous “My First Mister,” the latter two focusing on young females connecting with older men. What’s the nature of such relationships? Is it simply friendship that transcends the generation gap? A spiritual father/spiritual daughter thang? Or is there a romantic element? All of these movies, as well as the later “Lost in Translation,” explore these questions and reveal that there’s a thin line between them.
“Lost” is easily the best o’ the bunch while this flick would place second IMHO. “Lawn Dogs” is worthwhile, but hindered by awkward and unconvincing scenes while “My First Mister” is much better, yet also hampered by a couple iffy scenes. “Ghost World,” by contrast, is never unconvincing; and it addresses the heavy issues of life. Be forewarned, though, many will find the drama tedious.
While the ending is left open, it’s a mistake to interpret it in a tragic way, which has become the predominant theory (rejected by the director and writer). The person in question sees a 'miracle': A bus is patiently waited for by a certain character, which she cynically believes is never going to manifest. When it does, she learns faith, hope and perseverance. Then she proceeds forth into the great unknown.
It runs 1 hour, 51 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles (and nearby Santa Clarita to the northwest).
GRADE: B
