20 Behind the Scenes Polaroid Snaps During the Making of the Film “Ghost World” (2001)

Ghost World is a 2001 black comedy film co-written and directed by Terry Zwigoff. Based on the 1990s comic book Ghost World by Daniel Clowes, the story focuses on the lives of teenage outsiders Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson), who face a rift in their friendship as Enid takes an interest in an older man named Seymour (Steve Buscemi), and becomes determined to help his romantic life.

The collaboration between Zwigoff and Clowes was pivotal in adapting the comic to the screen. Clowes noted the challenges in this process, mentioning that the final screenplay was a synthesis of direct adaptations and entirely new story elements. He recalled, “I started by trying to transcribe the comic into Final Draft... Then I tried throwing everything away and writing an entirely new story... The actual film itself is very different from the script we wrote.”

Cinematographer Affonso Beato was tasked with creating a visual style that mirrored the comic’s aesthetic. The film’s slightly oversaturated look was intentional, aiming to evoke “the way the modern world looks where everything is trying to get your attention at once.” Additionally, Zwigoff’s documentary background influenced the film's languid, lingering shots and the minimal use of extras, which contributed to a sense of alienation in modern consumer culture.

The film’s soundtrack played a significant role in setting its tone. Notably, the inclusion of “Jaan Pehechan Ho” by Mohammed Rafi from the 1965 Bollywood musical “Gumnaam” added a unique flavor to the film. Enid’s dance to this song early in the movie became one of its memorable moments.

Ghost World debuted at the Seattle International Film Festival in 2001. It had little box office impact but received critical acclaim. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and has become a cult film.