Ghost World

Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson star as two teenage girls, recently graduated from high school, who struggle to maintain their friendship when one of them befriends a lonely older man played by Steve Buscemi. Thora Birch's character, Enid, is at much more of a crossroads in her life than her friend, Rebecca, although both seem to convey a sense of being a bit lost and confused by contemporary American life. They are alternative in their music and views and fashion, not quite sure of their place in the world. Steve Buscemi plays his part to perfection, an awkward, rather unhappy man who has been living in a comfort zone until he meets Enid. He's an endearing character in some ways, but you ultimately feel sorry for him. Enid is a very sympathetic character, I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything is going to be okay. The script is smart and sensitive, dealing with human emotions while asking questions about common perceptions of modern life. What is it to be cool? What do you have to do to belong and be classed as normal? The film doesn't necessary answer these questions. Sometimes it is just enough to ask. To end this review I must ask my own question; whatever happened to Thora Birch? She starred in American Beauty and then disappeared. I hope she resurfaces at some point because she is a very fine actress. 8/10