Ghost World at 25: How to Make a Great Indie Comic Film

In recent years, “comic book movie” has usually meant “superhero movie,” but, of course, not all comics are superhero comics and not all comic movies are superhero comic movies. One of the most brilliant exceptions? 2001’s Ghost World, directed by Terry Zwigoff. Released 25 years ago this week, Ghost World took Daniel Clowes’ comic of the same name (serialized in the indispensable series, Eightball) and expanded on the original story in ways that added plenty of heart, humor, and emotional depth. In both the film and the comic, Ghost World tells the story of two cynical teens, Enid and Rebecca, as they deal with life after graduation in their dull suburban hometown.  They’re smart, funny, and cooler-than-thou, but neither one is prepared for the world of adulthood. 

While one could view the Ghost World film as one of the many quirky, turn of the century indie movies, it has aged much better than most of its contemporaries (seriously, do a double feature with Garden State and decide for yourself). The cast includes Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson as Enid and Rebecca, respectively, Brad Renfro as their supportive (but decidedly less cool) friend, Josh, and Steve Buscemi as Seymour, the awkward, middle-aged nerd who becomes the object of Enid’s fascination. Although it pains me to say it, Birch and Johansson add a level of nuance, vulnerability, and relatability to their characters that improves on the comic, while Buscemi takes the rather minor side character of Seymour and turns him into a truly compelling examination of loneliness.  

Ghost World remains an indie classic that still resonates today (apparently being confused and disillusioned when you’re on the cusp of adulthood doesn’t go out of style) and stands as an important example of the right way to adapt a story to film from another medium. In celebration of a quarter century of Ghost World, we’ve picked out some of the best films based on independent comic books 

For more great movies and comics, make sure to check out the offerings of your local branch as well as the Kanopy and Hoopla app. 

Tank Girl

Ghost World

Road to Perdition

Art School Confidential 

A History of Violence

Atomic Blonde 

Oldboy 

Kanopy 

American Splendor

Wilson

Blue is the Warmest Color