Preview Post: GHOST WORLD

Yes folks, the wait is almost over! 24 Panels is about to return, and this time Dru and Dave are joined by David Emery as they move away from the mainstream and take a look at the 2001 cult comedy Ghost World!

Ghost World is adapted from the storyline of the same name published in the alternative comic Eightball between 1993 and 1997. Written and illustrated by Daniel Clowes, Ghost World is the episodic story of Enid and Rebecca, two cynical high school graduates trying to find direction in their lives and some sense of identity as their relationship falls apart. A critical and financial hit within the realm of independent comics, the comic has become a cult classic, and has frequently been republished in the years since it was originally serialized.

The 2001 film adaptation of the comic is co-written by Clowes and Terry Zwigoff, the latter of whom also directed the film. Prior to directing narrative films, Zwigoff’s career began in documentaries, most famously directing the critically acclaimed Crumb, a film about the life of alternative comic creator R. Crumb and his family.

Ghost World would be Zwigoff’s first narrative film, earning critical acclaim and solid box office for a specialty release.  Zwigoff followed up Ghost World with the more mainstream black comedy Bad Santa in 2003, which also achieved solid reviews and strong box office.

A sequel is in development, though Zwigoff is not involved in the production.

Zwigoff and Clowes reteamed to produce the 2006 comedy Art School Confidential, based on a four page comic Clowes published in Eightball. Despite the talents of Zwigoff, and Clowes, and a cast which includes Anjelica Huston, John Malkovich, and Jim Broadbent, the film met with mixed critical reaction and was a financial failure.

Thus far, it remains Zwigoff’s last feature film.

So does Ghost World hold up twelve years on? Join Dru, Dave, and David as they discuss the film on the next 24 Panels Per Second!