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Ghost World
2001 111 min United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany R 16+
★8.0
Comedy, Drama
Director: Terry Zwigoff
📖 Based on the novel
«Ghost World»
byDaniel Clowes
Trailers
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Description
Two quirky, cynical teenaged girls try to figure out what to do with their lives after high school graduation. After they play a prank on an eccentric, middle aged record collector, one of them befriends him, which causes a rift in the girls’ friendship.
Budget:
$7M
US Gross:
$6.22M
Worldwide:
$8.8M
Starring
Steve Buscemi
Actor
Thora Birch
Actor
Scarlett Johansson
Actor
Awards
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2001
— Ecumenical Jury Prize – Special Mention
Academy Awards 2002
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Golden Globe 2002
— Best Supporting Actor
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2002
— Best Quote
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2002
— Most Elegant
Golden Globe 2002
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2001
— Crystal Globe
Key opinion
Ghost World is a polarizing coming-of-age drama that centers on the aimless transition of two teenagers into adulthood. While some viewers find it an insightful, atmospheric exploration of alienation and self-discovery, others dismiss the film as a hollow, pretentious exercise featuring unlikable, stagnant protagonists.
| Acting | Steve Buscemi delivers a nuanced, grounded performance that serves as the film's emotional anchor. | |
| Originality | The film intentionally eschews traditional, upbeat coming-of-age tropes in favor of a raw, melancholic, and deeply honest depiction of teenage life. | |
| Ending | The open-ended, metaphorical finale creates a lingering sense of ambiguity that invites deep personal interpretation. | |
| Theme | Viewers are split on the protagonist's journey; some find her cynical detachment and lack of growth to be an insufferable character flaw, while others view it as a realistic manifestation of teenage alienation. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the film's pace are sharply divided; supporters appreciate the contemplative, atmospheric nature of the narrative, while critics find the lack of overt action and plot development boring and tedious. |