Paranoid Park

PARANOID PARK (2007) - Sept. 13, 2007
After the moribund Last Days, which looked great but moved at a snail's pace, Paranoid Park proves to be a very pleasant surprise. Shot in the same style as Gus Van Sant's last three films but easily the most plot-heavy (well, it has a plot, which automatically makes it more plot-heavy than the last three), this was about a young teen involved in the accidental murder of a security guard. I don't think anyone is going to be calling this film fast-paced, but like Gerry and Elephant (it's better than the former but not quite as good as the latter) it has an odd, hypnotic appeal which keeps it absolutely entertaining throughout. The film is told in a somewhat non-linear fashion, which keeps things mysterious and definitely works, and features the same flowing camera movements and dream-like tone that have characterized Van Sant's last few films. Good stuff. ***1/2