Scarlett Johansson’s Forgotten Comic Book Role

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Scarlett Johansson initially gained prominence not through her Black Widow character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but rather with a distinctively different comic book adaptation at the start of her adult acting career. Although she had notable child roles such as in “Manny and Lo” and “Home Alone 3”, it was her portrayal of Rebecca in “Ghost World” (a 2001 black comedy based on Daniel Clowes’ comic book) that is often credited for launching her career. This might be surprising to some of her most ardent fans who are only familiar with her work in the MCU.

Titled “Ghost World“, this comic book-inspired film devoid of superheroes tells the story of two best friends, Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson), who’ve just graduated from high school without any definite post-graduation plans. One lethargic day, they decide to play a joke on a missed connections ad, aiming to witness someone else’s misfortune. Their prank works when Seymour (Steve Buscemi) shows up at a diner in anticipation of his date, only to be left waiting. However, Enid experiences an unforeseen pang of empathy as she witnesses this interaction. This moment triggers a unique bond between Enid and Seymour, altering her perspective on life.

Ghost World is a movie script penned by Terry Zwigoff and Daniel Clowes, who also played a significant role in adapting his own comic book series for the big screen. Over several years between 1993 and 1997, various issues of the Ghost World comic were published. In an exclusive conversation with Creative Screenwriting, Clowes shared that the process of transforming his work into a screenplay was more intricate than it may seem at first glance. He initially attempted to translate the comic directly into a script format using Final Draft, but later opted to abandon that idea and write an entirely new story with significant differences from the book. Eventually, he combined elements of both approaches to create the final screenplay. The film version of Ghost World, however, deviates significantly from the original script they wrote.

The movie “Ghost World” was debuted in select cinemas on July 20, 2001, following screenings at various film festivals like the Seattle International Film Festival (where it first premiered) and the Fantasia International Film Festival. This offbeat comic book adaptation garnered exceptional reviews upon release, earning a flawless four-star rating out of four from renowned critic Roger Ebert. However, despite being made for only $7 million, it didn’t create much of a stir at the box office, with an opening weekend gross of just $98,791 and a total worldwide earnings of $8.7 million. Despite its lackluster box office performance, “Ghost World” secured a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars in 2002 and is now revered as a cult classic by many film enthusiasts.

The unique and offbeat depiction of adolescence transitioning into adulthood found in “Ghost World” truly earns its status as a cult classic. The movie is filled with a dreamlike quality that pervades nearly every scene, yet it remains endearingly sweet. One standout moment is when the character Enid attends a summer art class, where the quirky yet amusing teacher Roberta Allsworth (Illeana Douglas) presents a film she made, a hilarious black-and-white spectacle that borders on the surreal. This unexpected humor harkens back to the early days of Adult Swim and adds an element of randomness to the movie. However, despite its absurd elements, “Ghost World” is rooted in genuine emotional experiences.

The bond that develops between Enid and Seymour turns out to be intricate yet poignantly heartwarming. Initially, they are two individuals who never imagined connecting, but they find a unique connection through music, art, and compassion. However, the mystery of how Enid initially met Seymour casts a threatening shadow over their friendship, adding an element of suspense for the audience. Similarly, the relationship between Enid and Rebecca is heartrendingly relatable, particularly as they begin to grow apart.

In the movie, Johansson delivers an outstanding performance even in her supporting role, making her one of the standout elements. Initially, Rebecca is portrayed as part of a refined female pair reminiscent of Beavis and Butt-Head. Yet, as the film progresses, Johansson brings some of the most powerful emotional scenes to life, demonstrating her potential as a rising star.

The movie “Ghost World” concludes in a mysterious, ambiguous manner, leading some to interpret it as symbolizing something far more ominous than its surface suggests. In an interview with The Independent, director Zwigoff expressed that he doesn’t believe the ending holds such bleakness, yet actress Birch appeared to disagree during their conversation. Despite differing interpretations of its meaning, “Ghost World” is a captivating, side-splitting funny, heart-wrenching comedy with a unique atmosphere that should be watched by fans of Black Widow who haven’t discovered this somewhat overlooked gem yet.

Ghost World is currently streaming on Prime Video and Tubi.

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2025-05-17 23:10