Ghost World Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Accentuate the negative.
Il y a une vie après le lycée... (France)
They're high school graduates, and the world's got hell to pay!
Set in the summer after graduation, Enid and Rebecca are both outsiders in a world slowly being engulfed by fake 50's diners and Starbucks. Enid must attend an art class to officially graduate high school as Rebecca gets a job. When the two play a mean joke on a much older, geeky record collector, Enid finds a fellow soul and begins to discover the complexities of becoming an adult in the modern world.
| Thora Birch | Enid |
| Scarlett Johansson | Rebecca |
| Steve Buscemi | Seymour |
| Brad Renfro | Josh |
| Illeana Douglas | Roberta Allsworth |
| Bob Balaban | Enid's Dad |
| Stacey Travis | Dana |
| Charles C. Stevenson Jr. | Norman |
| Dave Sheridan | Doug |
| Tom McGowan | Joe |
| Debra Azar | Melora |
| Brian George | Sidewinder Boss |
| Pat Healy | John Ellis |
| Rini Bell | Graduation Speaker |
| T.J. Thyne | Todd |
| Terry Zwigoff |
7.70 out of 10 (38385 votes)
Visitor Reviews
An excellent surprise
posted on 20 Aug 2009We went into this movie carte blanche and were both thrilled with the movie that developed. Steve Buscemi is one of my favorite actors and this was the role made for him. Thora Birch was captivating. This movie was excellent and far from the everyday Hollywood drivel.
ONE MOVIE IN THE SUMMER OF SHAME THAT DOES NOT SUCK AT ALL
posted on 06 Aug 2009This movie was well made. This movie has a great story. This movie is well acted. This movie was simple. This movie is thought provoking. This movie is funny as hell. This movie probably cost a dollar to make and was the best movie that came out this summer. Steve Buscemi and Tom McGowan are great.
Not the easiest characters to like but...
posted on 04 Aug 2009...still quite the curiosity.Director Terry Zwigoff,who'd later strike commercial pay dirt with the equally downbeat but more straight-ahead funny Bad Santa,along with writer Daniel Cloves present this story of two girls(Thora Birch and Scarlett Johnasson),freshly graduated from high school,who simply want to get jobs and move into their own apartment together. While Rebecca(Johansson,pretty and intriguing,if seemingly drowsy)is able to keep herself employed steadily and on the path to achieving her very simple goal,Enid(Birch,kid-like AND sexy,equal parts disturbing and sympathetic)drifts aimlessly,unable to keep a job,barely able to keep her grades up in the remedial Art class she's been sent to to make her diploma official. To make matters worse,she begins a vague,ill-defined relationship with a gentle eccentric(Steve Buscemi,who is IMHO,even better as a good guy than as the stock,dangerous creeps he's usually cast as)on whom she had initially(with the help of her friend Rebecca)played a cruel prank. Added for fleshing out the story are such pros as Brad Renfro(as the boy the two girls both fraternize and playfully torture in equal parts),Illeana Douglas(as the performance-minded Art teacher who is easily cowed),Bob Balaban(as Enid's dad,a milquetoast character who is concerned but ultimately oblivious to his daughter's behavior) and Stacey Travis(as the woman who Buscemi's Seymour is attracted to). As per what I'm sensing is true in Zwigoff films(I've only seen two so far),there are a fair amount of obscure character actors,plenty of un-glamorous,raw scenery and a soundtrack full of edgy,somewhat rare music. Definitely meant for a smaller audience,which might explain why this movie moved quietly through the cinema in 2001.A down-beat,almost nihilistic character study,this film will test the patience of probably more than a few viewers. Those who stay with this film will(probably)find that there is,when you dig through it,actually a positive,hopeful sense to the movie. It challenges you the movie-goer or renter to empathize with the characters,flaws,warts and all,for the whole film,and for the most part it succeeds. I'm not sure I can recommend this film in general(although I'd say that if you are to any degree a loner,then this film should be up your alley!),but I wouldn't DIScourage anyone from checking it out,either.
I can relate
posted on 02 Aug 2009The best part about Ghost World was the way I could relate with EVERYONE in the movie. I know far to many people like the "We'll totally have to do something this summer!" girl and I usually give the same reaction as Enid. Thora Birch is amazing and gives her character so much depth that most actresses wouldn't be able to do. Scarlett Johansson would be great too if she didnt smile... eek! She's almost attractive until you see her teeth. Steve Buscemi was so pathetic looking and he should have gotten a nod for being Seymor. The parts that take place in the art room were my favorites. I knew exactly how she felt when she displayed all of her ideas. Ohh, and don't turn it off at the credits... if you do you'll miss Buscemi beating the crap outta the gas station dude... awesome.********8 stars********
Boring and overrated
posted on 02 Aug 2009This is not the first time I got tricked by the IMDB top 250 (High Fidelity for instance) It's not that I'm not into the cult, environment sketching movie thing. I even gave Donnie Darko an 8. But for movies like Ghost World the characteristic discusses earlier is just an excuse to get a public. Thora Birch, the main character, never really got my sympathy or apathy; that should be a bad thing for a character-riven story like Ghost World. Steve Buscemi is great though, but he played a similar role in the movie Trees Lounge, but then way better. 5/10 -doot
Good performances and interesting characters
posted on 31 Jul 2009I finaly caught this independant film, nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, on videotape this week. It is a well crafted storyline with interesting characters and good performances (especialy by Steve Buscemi and Thora Birch). However, the pacing is somewhat slow and it starts to lose momentum towards the end. Still, I'd reccomend the film as a solid effort anyways. GRADE: B
best film of 2001
posted on 17 Jul 2009i don't even know where to start. this movie is an instant classic. thora birch and scarlett johannsson and steve buscemi and bob balaban...they were all unbelievably good. i wish terry zwigoff would make movies more often...i believe crumb was his last picture in '94. the film captured how a lot of people feel. it was earnest, and really connected with me. this film is a must-see.
Added To One Of My All-Time Favorite Movie List
posted on 17 Jul 2009I heard about this film before but never seen it. I finally saw it on TV awhile ago and I was blown away. I couldn't believe I hadn't seen this movie earlier.Story: High school graduates Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johannssen) are best friends, but are the complete opposites. Enid is an artistic, cynical girl who doesn't know what to do with her life. Rebecca is the "normal" girl who wants to get an apartment and job and live a "normal" life. While looking for an apartment, the girl's days consist of messing around with their secret crush Josh (Brad Renfro), passing by a mysterious man named Norman who waits at a bus stop that was shut down two years ago, and then on one particular day, play a prank on an eccentric loner named Seymour (Steve Buscemi). Afterwards, Rebecca is the main one looking for an apartment. Enid is drawn to Seymour and befriends him and even tries to be his match-maker. But the girl's friendships become more and more distant as Enid and Seymour become more and more closer.I love this movie. My favorite characters are Enid (who I almost look like with my glasses), Doug (awesome mullet dude who was also in a Red Hot Chili Pepper's video) and of course, Seymour. Steve Buscemi was perfect for him. He's also become of my favorite actors.This is not an average teen movie. I'm quite proud that it got on IMDB's Top 250.I give Ghost World a 10/10.
What the ... ????
posted on 17 Jul 2009What the ... is wrong with you people????How on Earth can anybody in their right minds refer to this as a "must see" movie? Are you insane???????I watched the whole film HOPING that something would happen that would justify the high ratings I found in the database. I used to think that when a film had a good rating it was really worth watching, now I don't think I will EVER trust them again! The truth is I went through the whole registration process just to say that this film is the WORST film I have seen and the least worthwhile of your time! And why on Earth has it been classified as a comedy? What was so funny about it? That Enid messes up her friends' life? That she hurts people that care about her????Steve Buscemi's performance tried to compensate for the lameness of this film, yet it could never be enough. An absolute disappointment!!!!! Don't waste your time to watch it, I'm positive there are many better things you could do... like have your fingernails removed!!!
A Masterpiece
posted on 11 Jul 2009The gift of Ghost World is the range and intensity of the emotional palette it presents, similar in this way to Life is Beautiful or The Godfather, although not within such a grandiose framework.This movie is about Enid's struggle to figure out who she is. She thought she knew, because she had her friend Rebecca as a frame of reference. But after graduating, Enid notices (with intense awareness) that they are slowly beginning to gradually drift apart. Enid becomes increasingly afraid that Rebecca is growing up to ultimately become another lifeless thoughtless automaton among the "99% of humanity". This hammers away at Enid's confidence in her definition of who she is, and she lashes out trying desperately to figure it all out again. But this struggle causes everything in her life to fall apart around her, and all of her options to vanish, and she finds herself completely alone, at rock bottom. She envies the old man's belief that he will catch a bus to take him out of town. She desperately wants to believe it too, but she knows that no bus will ever come. Enid's reaction to the old man's death is addressed in the final scene with a compelling denouement.The only detraction I see is the original score; the composer (David Kitay) could have done the music with a little more precision, specifically the piano theme just fails, by reason of either lack of effort or perhaps some technical limitations on his part.In order to get the most out of this film, you have to be willing to concentrate on it, not just watch it; repeated viewings are worthwhile. That being said I recommend this movie only to intelligent, thoughtful people who are capable of distinguishing emotional nuances within a work of fine art. The remainder will be in danger of watching a movie with no plot that doesn't go anywhere.8/10 for a masterpiece.
A great offbeat coming of age movie
posted on 07 Jul 2009I found Ghost World so refreshing that I saw it many times. The characters just brought you in. I can't wait to watch Crumb, also directed by Terry Zwigoff. If it's anything like this movie, it will be great. After watching this movie, you feel restless and rebellious. Enid (Birch) is so out there that you want to follow and be really crazy. Maybe dye your hair or rip your jeans. It's a great feeling. I strongly recommend movies if you don't want a cliche filled movie but is still really entertaining.
Hm...
posted on 01 Jul 2009Since I'm a huge fan of comic books as well as "cartoony" or comic book based movies, I decided to review this one. When I saw this movie, one or two years ago, I was in my final year of high school, about the same age as the characters in this movie. I too have had a horrible experience in high school. However, I can't say I could relate to the dark world that is portrayed in Ghost World. I have read the comic book after watching the movie. Both of the versions of "Ghost World" portray a world full of sad and annoying people, pedophiles, typical idiotic high school students, and most of all, people faking individuality. I don't think "Ghost World" is meant to be realistic, but it's meant to portray this world that we live in. Enid and her friend are the main characters who think they are above everyone else, including the depressed guy that is Seymour. However, things don't turn out as they planned. I thought Enid and her friend were very realistic characters. They aren't shown as heroines who are greater than everyone else because of how different they are and how they don't let themselves controlled by society. On the contrary. This is a good point for the movie, since the realism isn't too overwhelming. However, the depressing atmosphere of the movie can be if you aren't into this. As the movie keeps going, it gets more and more depressing and the ending just leaves you with a "bitter taste in your mouth". It's not that "Ghost World" didn't move me. It did, greatly. But maybe the reason why I didn't like it as much as a lot of people did was because it mainly brought negative feelings to me. I really liked the story as well as the characters, but it was just too hard to stomach. There was very little optimism in the movie. It also seems to be telling the viewers that it's impossible to be an individual in this world, and that you'll always be just another [ insert a subculture or a name here ] to people, which I don't agree with personally.
Cool, Beautiful, Work of Art (the good kind!)
posted on 17 Jun 2009Ghost World is my favorite movie of all time (tied with Natural Born Killers). It's a rare kind of film we don't see very often, and one of 2 films (the other Pulp Fiction) that can watch over and over and over again and it's still just as good as the last time I watched. Every time I watch it I come away thinking "Wow. That was cool!". The casting in this movie is perfect, and the soundtrack is unusual but one of my favorites (one of the few soundtracks I own on CD). It's so funny and so depressing at times, and it just blows my mind. If you're a cool person, you can relate to this film, in that you either identify with the characters or you know people like them. Totally worth watching!!!!!!! Watch It!
A Truly Great Film...
posted on 15 Jun 2009Ghost world depicts the strangeness of life after high school. NOt really knowing what to do with your life and seemingly making all of the wrong decisions. Ghost World is a magnificant film that was robbed of an oscar, several in fact. In my opinion the best movie of 2001. The script is wonderful. The character development keeps you watching and wondering. I felt as though I were a part of Enid and Rebecca after viewing this wonderful, underrated film. Though I do not care for Thora Birches acting, she was quite good in this film. However, she was upstaged by the amazing Scarlett Johanssen, whom I know from Manny and Lo, another fine film. Anyone who has yet to see this movie should do so.
I guess it is an independent film.
posted on 03 Jun 2009You know a movie isn't that great when Steve Buschemi is the best actor in the movie. I mean, I know it's an independent film but that doesn't mean I have to feel pity for it. I will give it to them that their characters were defined excellently. I give it a 2 because even though the main character was supposed to be that way she just isn't someone I could stand listening to for the whole movie.
Ghost Plot
posted on 30 May 2009I was really excited about seeing ghost world, after everything i had read and heard about it i couldn't wait. After coming out of the cinema i was left with this flat, depressed feeling. the movie had let me downBasically i think ghost world is so concerned with not being a typical teen movie that it fails to make any other point. Thora Birch was stunning and Steve Buscemi never fails to play a creepy loser brilliantly but what annoyed me was never really knowing why Enid did the things she did.The relationship between Enid and Rebecca really annoyed me because they didnt seem like friends, they didnt even seem to like each other. It was like they just stuck together because they hated everyone else. But even if this was the case, surely there would be a small semblance of warmth that may have developed between themOverall i think ghost world was a good movie.......... i think. I'm still a little confused about it. I went to see ghost world for clarity and came out of it feeling more messed up than ever
Walking Through Your Life As Nothing Else Moves.
posted on 08 May 2009Two high school outcasts (Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson) graduate and it appears that the duo will continue to be best friends. They seek out work and a place to live, but before that they go around and make fun of seemingly everyone around them. The situations are quirky and hilarious, but soon they pull a prank on a lonely man (Steve Buscemi) that leaves Birch feeling sorry for the stranger. Thus Birch, with Johansson in tow, decide to meet Buscemi and the results are mixed at best. However the strangest of relationships starts as Birch makes it a goal to find a woman that Buscemi can date. Meanwhile Johansson accepts what she must do and starts to work at a local Starbucks. Birch, totally unsure of what she wants to do with her life (both personally and professionally), begins to drift away from her best friend just as Buscemi finds a woman he likes (Stacy Travis). Oddly Birch becomes jealous of this development and does her best to keep Buscemi single and miserable (like herself obviously). Birch struggles through with all this plus a home-life that she dislikes as her father (the priceless Bob Balaban) starts to re-create a relationship with a woman that she has always hated (the uncredited Teri Garr in a short cameo). She also spends her days taking a remedial art class so she can indeed finalize her high school diploma. "Ghost World" is an immensely interesting experience as Birch (best known for "American Beauty") and Johansson (who is an amazing young talent, just think "Lost in Translation") are totally believable as youngsters with quiet angst and sadness issues. Their slow divergence as the film progresses is a hard thing to view because you know that neither want that. Buscemi is amazing as a loner who mirrors the two youngsters (Birch in particular). Co-writers Terry Zwigoff (who also directed) and Daniel Clowes received Oscar nominations for a script that was actually adapted from a comic book (no kidding). This is a wonderfully smart and poignant black comedy that is arguably the best production from the teen genre. It is to the 2000s what "Rebel Without a Cause" was to the 1950s and what "American Graffiti" was to the 1970s. There are also shades of Bob Rafelson's "Five Easy Pieces" here. An under-rated and exceptional gem. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Buscemi makes this movie (although it would still be good without him)
posted on 08 May 2009I could easily relate to this movie. Although I can't say I'm completely sardonic like Enid, I do share lots of her povs. I'm happy that this isn't just a "I'm an angry teenager and no one understands me" movie, it digs deeper and presents a sad tale of a disaffected girl. I know a Seymour in my life, that's for damn sure and I believe Buscemi is simply brilliant, nothing less, and Birch is really good too. Oh yea, it's really funny too.
Our world and welcome to it
posted on 04 May 2009Take me back to my high school graduation: caps and gowns, snickering at the graduation speeches, the rap singers, and the AA speech sendoff…wait a minute! Whose graduation is this anyways?It's probably not yours either and that's the obvious charm of this quirky piece assembled by Terry Zwigoff, director of the award-winning documentary "Crumb." Did you miss that one too? Don't miss this one.Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) are your guides through their world and they're bored. Mandatory eye-rolls deep sighs and blank stares punctuate their dialogue with characters who inhabit their post-high school experience. A hilarious party following graduation ceremonies, accompanied by the Mundane Synthesized Trio, Margaret (Ashley Peldon) who's going to have a marvelous summer at drama classes - and let's get together soon – `and Dennis…who we'll never see again. And that's so sad.' Enid is a member of everyone's graduating class, but you probably never met her. And if you did, she would never let you into her world. And if she did, it would only be for her amusement. Rebecca is more realistic about life and the expectation to make a living, get an apartment and get over it. While Enid's diploma is withheld due to a technicality, this gives us a summer school art instructor (Illeana Douglas?) who fits the stereotype perfectly.Seymour (Steve Buscemi) is drawn in by a joke but becomes Enid's mission. More than twice her age, harmless Seymour is another caricature: A nerd collector who uncomfortably occupies an alternative universe of other single males who approach-avoid any possible entanglement with the opposite sex. Enid wants to become Seymour's personal dating service with some hilarious but sad results. But you knew I was going to say that.The range of characters in this film will haunt you (get it…Ghost World) from Norman at the bus stop, … at the Quickie Mart, Josh who gets terrorized at every turn…"creeps, losers and weirdo's - in other words: OUR PEOPLE," according to Enid. This after a series of teenage angst films of the Bully/Crazy-Beautiful/American Pie ilk comes as a refreshing breath of ozone. Ghost World is a movie that will stay with you after you leave the theatre. And stay for the credits: there's a reward at the end for those who persist.CyCy
Great
posted on 24 Aug 2009Ghost World is good, but I was expecting more since it has made almost all of the critics' top ten lists. Thora Birch was great as the lead, Enid. Her somewhat romantic, somewhat confused, convoluted relationship (like all relationships) with Steve Buscemi's character, Seymour, is portrayed well and with great realism. Scarlett Johansson as Rebecca, Enid's friend, is a dry, seemingly uninterested teen in search of meaning outside of what her best friend Enid believes is interesting. At first I thought the acting by Johansson was great, understated, subtle. Then I watched interviews with her. She played herself, understated, subtle. Can't fault someone for that, but its not as impressive.An overlooked performance was handed in by Ileana Douglas as Enid's art teacher. She was flawless as that teacher who you hated in school but, at the time, seemed so good at what he/she did that you thought you were wrong to hate her/him.However, the true gem in this movie is Buscemi's performance as the vintage vinyl collector, Seymour. The greatness reminiscent of his performances in Trees Lounge or Living in Oblivion. I have always liked Buscemi in pretty much anything, but he truly shines in roles larger than his most recent.If you like seeing great acting in movies that explore our coming of age and our infatuation of people who are possibly weirder than you think you are, go see Ghost World.If you want a "page-turning" plot and a less cerebral movie, check out something that played at the 30-plex for a while.8 of 10. In this genre, for similar entertainment, I would check out Virgin Suicides, but if you've watched Ghost World, or are interested, you probably already have.