Fringe Review: Paranoid Park

I didn't know what to expect from the film Paranoid Park, except that it was directed by Gus van Sant. I found out after that the screenplay was also written by him, from an original book.

Paranoid Park delves into the lives of teen skaters in Portland, Oregon, following a young skater "Alex" after he is involved in the accidental death of a security guard.

Co-Cinematographer Christopher Doyle was at the showing, introducing the film as "teen art", and then we settled in to watch. And such a beautiful film - it evokes memories of the casual style of Kids, more following the actors around rather than directing the action. All of the actors in Paranoid Park had never been in a film before, and this shows on a couple of the parts, but certainly not the lead "Alex", played wonderfully by Gabe Nevins.

This film doesn't seek to justify the lives of skaters, the accident that occurs, or in my opinion even celebrate the lives of skaters, merely lift the lid a bit and reveal the culture therein. It's such an easy film to watch - just sit back and let the ideas and visions wash over you. It's filmed in a format reminiscent of Super 8 - a square format, with a very early technicolor feel to it, evoking memories of the first family footage on video cameras, which certainly assists in the relaxed manner this film was shot. Christopher Doyle makes fantastic use of light throughout the film, there is a scene in the film where "Alex" showers after the death of the security guard - it's quite a long scene in the scheme of things, but it's utterly entrancing. No, not like that - you only see his head and upper shoulders, the shot is enhanced completely by the sound and light choices, it's fantastic.

One of the things I think they did so well in this film was give the audience time to think for themselves. So many films drag the audience along in the story without stopping for breath. Paranoid Park has so many points where you've really nothing else to do but consider the situation at hand - it's a little uncomfortable to begin with, as audiences are not often asked to get involved like that - but by the end of the film you're thankful for those moments where you're left with beautiful imagery and time for your own thoughts.

It's a brilliant, beautiful film, and it's definitely going in my DVD collection when it's out.

Paranoid Park info at IMDB.com.