GHOST WORLD

2001 / 111 min / color

Terry Zwigoff’s film, an adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ cult comic book with the same title, is the story of two best friends on the verge of adulthood. Enid and Rebecca are about to graduate from high school and wondering what to do with their lives. They both dream of becoming independent from their parents and living on their own, preferably by getting an apartment together, which will make their already close friendship even stronger. But reality rarely matches up to our hopes and dreams, and problems quickly start to arise — from mundane to more serious ones. Enid and Rebecca’s friendship is put to a serious test, and they realize adulthood isn’t all it was cracked up to be. Zwigoff’s dramedy is notable for its outstanding cast, with Scarlett Johansson (in one of her first big roles) and Thora Birch playing the two leads, and Steve Buscemi in a supporting role. Ghost World was nominated for an Oscar and won two Independent Spirit Awards, and is now considered one of the classics of the early 2000s.

• Independent Spirit Awards – Best First Screenplay, Best Supporting Male (Steve Buscemi)