Emotions, visuals shine in murder mystery film

Realistic characters and gripping plot keep teenage thriller alive

Megan Charles - charlemr@plu.edu

mast a&e reporter

Gus Van Sant’s latest indie venture follows a smart, shy teen named Alex (newcomer Gabe Nevins) into the dangerous, titular hangout Paranoid Park, a popular place for skaters, druggies and reckless kids to blow off steam. Adapted from Blake Nelson’s young adult novel by the same name, “Paranoid Park” quickly develops into a compelling search for answers in the form of Portland homicide detective (Daniel Liu) pursuing Alex with questions about a recent murder that occurred near the park.

Told in a series of flashbacks from Alex’s point of view, the film is refreshing in that it has an honest portrayal of disgruntled youth, something that too often comes off as preachy or coated with slapstick humor in most movies.

As the film’s protagonist, Alex comes across as someone who is instantly likeable, though I’m not certain why. Perhaps it is because he embodies so many emotional reservations yet maintains this authentic and ingenuous way about him that is familiar with many young people. I guess Alex reminded me of some of the people I knew in high school and could certainly relate to, but never completely figure out.

Van Sant has once again masterfully deconstructed a teenager’s emotions and attitude towards life with unconventional cinematography handled as if it were a lush, colorful canvas painted on by the genius Christopher Doyle who has often worked with Chinese filmmakers Wong Kar Wai and Zhang Yimou.

The disjointed narrative that is woven throughout the murder mystery plot, along with the interactions Alex has with bratty girlfriend (Taylor Momsen, of TV’s “Gossip Girl”) keep the viewer interested until the end, which like so many of Van Sant’s films has us wanting to know what happens next.

“Paranoid Park” is now playing at Tacoma’s Grand Cinema.

"Paranoid Park "

Directed by Gus Van Sant

Starring Gabe Nevins, Daniel Liu, Taylor Momsen

Rated R, 85 mins