Ghost World (2001) - Synopsis
Based on the popular and highly-acclaimed underground comic book by Daniel Clowes, GHOST WORLD is a raw-edged comedy about two teenage girls, Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson), who are out of sync with the world around them.
Their uncensored commentary spares no one as they try to find a place for themselves in a modern America of endless strip malls and fast-food chains. After graduating from high school, they face an unpleasant immediate future: crappy jobs and slim prospects for romance.
While Rebecca gets a job at the local coffee franchise and starts saving for the apartment they always planned on, Enid becomes involved with an alienated malcontent named Seymour (Steve Buscemi). As they edge toward the unfathomable mystery of adulthood in a world in decline, Enid and Rebecca struggle to maintain their identity and the bonds that kept them sane.
United Artists Films presents Ghost World, a film by Terry Zwigoff, director of the acclaimed documentary Crumb, and written by Daniel Clowes & Zwigoff based on Clowes's widely read graphic novel. Starring Thora Birch (whose performance in American Beauty (1999) garnered critical and audience acclaim) and Scarlett Johansson (who made her striking feature debut in [Horse Whisperer (1998)) as best friends Enid and Rebecca.
Ghost World features a diverse ensemble of acclaimed actors, including Brad Renfro (Apt Pupil (1998)], Client, the (1994)) as Josh, the unattainable object of the girls' affection; actor/director Bob Balaban (Best in Show (2000), Mexican, the (2001)) as Enid's Dad; illeana Douglas (Cape Fear (1991), To Die For (1995)) as Roberta, Enid's pretentious art teacher; Steve Buscemi (Fargo (1996), Reservoir Dogs (1992)) as Seymour; Academy Award® nominee Teri Garr (Tootsie (1982), Mr. Mom (1983)) as Maxine, Enid's unwelcome ex-stepmom; Stacey Travis (Mystery Men (1999), Hardware (1990)) as Seymour's love interest, Dana; and Dave Sheridan (Scary Movie (2000)) as Doug.
Produced by Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich and Russell Smith, Ghost World is executive produced by Pippa Cross and Janette Day. The distinguished behind-the-scenes team is led by director of photography Affonso Beato, production designer Edward T. McAvoy, editors Carole Kravetz and Michael R. Miller, and costume designer Mary Zophres. David Kitay composed the score.
