Paranoid Park Review
Posted by Chad Webb on 05.07.2008
Gus Van Sant visits death once more in this overlooked independent release.
Gabe Nevins: Alex
Daniel Liu: Detective Richard Lu
Taylor Momsen: Jennifer
Jake Miller: Jared
Lauren McKinney: Macy
Winfield Jackson: Christian
Written/Directed By: Gus Van Sant
Release Date: March 7, 2008
Running Time: 85 minutes
Rated R for some disturbing images, language and sexual content.
The career of filmmaker Gus Van Sant reveals a great deal of intriguing choices. Casual moviegoers might be surprised to discover what he has helmed over the years such as the pointless remake of Psycho and the Oscar winning Good Will Hunting. Since his entrance into cinema however, Van Sant has always flourished better in the realm of independent film. His ambition, heart, and intellect has customarily emanated from these efforts. Paranoid Park is another excellent foray into the teenage psyche. It is the very definition of short and sweet.
Alex (Gabe Nevins) is an average kid who attends high school. He has a girlfriend named Jennifer (Taylor Momsen), who also happens to be a cheerleader. He has a best friend named Jared (Jake Miller) whom he goes skateboarding with on a regular basis. Or rather Alex prefers to watch since he isn’t that good. He also converses with Macy, a girl who never hesitates to question the status of his life and attitude. One day a police detective, Richard Lu (Daniel Liu), arrives at school inquiring to the skaters as to where they were on a particular night of the previous weekend. It seems that a security guard was found dead on a nearby railroad track which is close to a skateboard park. Alex might be involved. The audience watches Alex’s actions unfold through an erratic chronology of events.
Word has it that Van Sant acquired the leads via searching through myspace. If this is true, one has to wonder if there is anyone this talented director cannot mold into a performer. Gabe Nevins lends a astoundingly real portrayal as Alex. I would not go as far as to label Alex as an outcast, but he is certainly a loner, one whose expression remains stagnant for the duration of the story. Despite uttering few sentences, Van Sant exposes the inner feelings and angst of Alex. By receiving a glimpse of what Alex is thinking, the man behind the camera brings the depth and honesty to him that Nevin might not have been able to do on his own.
The narrative is based on the novel by Blake Nelson. This is not a whodunit, and suffering the consequences was not the intention of the movie. The presence of the authorities and Detective Richard Lu is to instill that something of this nature does not just go away. Paranoid Park is about coming to grips with a deed that cannot be undone. Van Sant digs deep into the mind of a teenager, and in effect illustrates how they react and bottle up following a tormenting episode. Viewing Alex and his behavior before and after the incident transpired is intriguing all on its own. Two versions of the tale are given, and this is a tactic that is not new, but could have been abused. Van Sant communicates a lot simply by employing this strategy.
Taylor Momsen has quite resume for 15-year-old. She can be seen in Gossip Girl or The Grinch. As Jennifer, she is the epitome of a blonde high school girl complete with snappy remarks and the ability to influence her boyfriend easily. Daniel Liu does a fine job as the detective. The role does not require much, but he appears genuine and serious nonetheless. Jake Miller is satisfactory, but not overly memorable as Jared, though he has a nice line “No one is ready for Paranoid Park.” My favorite of the supporting cast was Lauren McKinney as Macy. Her relationship with Alex could prompt separate discussion all together. She gives a authentic performance as a concerned “friend.”
Van Sant will leave as significant an impact with mainstream releases like has with the art-house and independent crowds. Brilliant movies like Drugstore Cowboy and even strange ones like My Own Private Idaho display how his unique designs and concept translate to the screen so beautifully. It is unfortunate that 1998’s Pyscho still haunts him. Luckily, Van Sant is more focused now. Paranoid Park comes after his “Death Trilogy” of Gerry, Elephant, and Last Days. Some might call this the epilogue of a “Youth Trilogy.” Of the three, Park is eerily reminiscent of the masterful, yet controversial Elephant in its depiction of a high school atmosphere.
Van Sant uses cinematographer Christopher Doyle to achieve the coarse and organic look of the streets and classrooms. The lingering on Alex as he wanders the hallways can be both exceptional and aggravating as it is seen a bit too much on occasion. The raw footage of anonymous subjects skating and attempting jumps is significant so that everyone watching can be further absorbed into the culture, but the amount of it is odd. The music of the late great Elliot Smith can be heard among the soundtracks participants. Thanks to Van Sant, his gorgeous songs will live on through more than just a compact disc.
There is a moment in Paranoid Park that should serve as evidence to anybody that labels Van Sant as too artsy or pretentious. It occurs when Alex is standing in the shower, fully taking in everything that has happened to him recently. As the water stream off of his brown hair and bangs that drape over his face, the director captures emotion that is unequalled thus far in 2008’s offerings. Paranoid Park is not a flawless effort, but it marks another glorious point for Gus Van Sant. After such a wonderful segment in Paris, je T’aime, he continues to amaze in small doses, one step at a time. When one takes a gander back at his legacy, it will be the smaller films that spark the most praise and attention, and this only helps that future.
The 411: I realize that this review is a bit late. The reason is I saw this film a bit late as it was only available in a limited capacity. I wouldn’t bother trying to track it down in theaters at this point. It is currently in that limbo state of movies between theatrical release and DVD. Nevertheless, remember the title, and give it a chance when you spot it online or in stores. Writer and Director Gus Van Sant has delivered an extremely engaging, thought provoking, and unrefined piece of cinema, again relating to death. The performances by the newcomers are refreshing and solid, while the proficiency of the filmmaking remains top notch.
