Paranoid Park

Gus Van Sant is a weird dude. Okay, that's unfair - he's just not a Hollywood dude and I should add that I don't think that is a bad thing. He just refuses to be categorized. Big time Director with a capital D - sure - think Good Will Hunting, To Die For, Milk. Independent film maker with an eye for teen angst - you bet - My Own Private Idaho, Elephant and Paranoid Park. Likes to thumb his nose at studios and Big Money - well let's remake Psycho... exactly like the original, cheesy dialogue and all but in color. hmmmm.

Paranoid Park is based on a novel by Blake Nelson and is set in a real skatepark in Van Sant's native Portland. Perhaps that is what drew him to the material. The story revolves around Alex (Gabe Nevins) who's disaffection draws him methodically through his days, until the accidental death of a security guard seems to give him a reason to breathe. The skaters, the oblivious adults and the urban blight seem to coalesce into... not much. It's hard not to watch though, lovingly filmed and framed - and Nevins is so pretty.

Sooo, I don't know. Verdict is still out on how Van Sant keeps getting money (even small amounts) to make these sort of ego driven visual cotton candy movies. All shiny and no substance? I have to admit that his fascination with his star is founded (Nevins is a natural, most of the other teens in the film are stilted) if a little creepy in its dedication. But long moments of the camera lingering hungrily on Nevins walking, or skating, or taking off his shirt??? hmmm. Another review here.