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Paranoid Park
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Paranoid Park

Paranoid Park

2007
Drama
1h 25m
A teenage skateboarder's life begins to fray after he is involved in the accidental death of a security guard. [Originally released in 2007]

Directed by:

Gus Van Sant

Screenwriter:

Gus Van Sant, Blake Nelson

Starring:

Taylor Momsen, Scott Green, Christopher Doyle, Gabe Nevins, Daniel Liu, Jake Miller, Lauren McKinney, Winfield Jackson, M. Blash, John Michael Burrowes, Grace Carter, Jay 'Smay' Williamson

Genre:

Drama

Countries:

France, USA

Language:

English
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Paranoid Park

2007
Drama
1h 25m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 55.94% from 1440 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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bitch_alertBitch Alert
Rated 27 Sep 2008
100
97th
What a remarkable film. The mosaic style of storytelling and the marvellous use of Elliott Smith's music, just to name a few. Mesmerizing cinematography.
Rated 27 Sep 2008
dorkovskyDorkovsky
Rated 31 Mar 2012
9
97th
I would watch skateboard videos all day if they were shot by Christopher Doyle.
Rated 31 Mar 2012
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 26 Oct 2011
35
90th
"A fully subjective probe into the consciousness of a young man and a generous display of artistic empathy." - Akiva Gottlieb
Rated 26 Oct 2011
laikalaika
Rated 11 Oct 2009
93
98th
Gus Van Sant is getting better and better with age. The 2000s are proving a winning streak for him with films like Elephant and Milk. But Paranoid Park is his best film yet. Stunningly photographed and brilliant use of music too, with personal favourites like Elliott Smith and Menomena.
Rated 11 Oct 2009
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 07 Aug 2009
8
80th
This film does everything Elephant does 10x better.
Rated 07 Aug 2009
icarusIcarus
Rated 22 Jun 2009
88
85th
Van Sant's film seeks to get inside the head of an emotionally isolated skater named Alex. The drama and the conflict here are primarily internal, though as he sleepwalks through life, the absence of any real confrontation outside himself is in itself its own kind of conflict. Alex struggles mightily with his guilt, has no outlet in his lief to help him deal with it, and the film brilliantly shows the consequences of an isolated existence. Excellent contemplative use of music and tracking shots.
Rated 22 Jun 2009
shmendrekShmendrek
Rated 12 Dec 2008
4
83rd
Another great film from Van Sant, a story of paranoia, guilt, and remorse uniquely set in distinctively adult-free spaces. The decision to shoot the film in a 4:3 aspect ratio and the use of non-actors was originally off-putting, but the excellent direction and cinematography eventually won me over. I don't know what Van Sant is doing most of the time, but I like it.
Rated 12 Dec 2008
mohkoMohko
Rated 18 Jun 2008
70
61st
Just like in most of Gus Van Sant's movies style comes over substance. This time story just isn't that interesting but beautiful shots make up for it. Few music selections could have been better and editing is a bit confusing at times.
Rated 18 Jun 2008
cambelcambel
Rated 05 Nov 2007
81
79th
Another medidative experience from Van Sant... just like hypnosis.
Rated 05 Nov 2007
doyler29doyler29
Rated 26 Jun 2023
80
68th
The film is somewhat structured around Nevins trying to write down the events that happened, and there is some narration, but it's mostly a series of scenes, some of which slowly reveal the story of the death, but many of which are unrelated. It's not a film to come to for a clear narrative arc.
Rated 26 Jun 2023
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 07 Aug 2022
72
43rd
Low-key mood piece is uneven but worthwhile; captures the feeling of teenage life and angst (and associated rushing of melodramatic emotions) through Doyle's cinematography, alternating gauzy and colourfully nostalgic with somber blue and grey tones. If sometimes Van Sant the stylist can't quite get out of his own way, especially in his soundtrack choices which often feel incongruous and out of place, I'll forgive him the indulgence of a quite brilliant use of Nino Rota. A mixed bag.
Rated 07 Aug 2022
armonicaArmonica
Rated 22 Jun 2022
15
1st
what the waste of time. maybe the worst indie movie I've ever seen. For too long I wondered when the story would have start and what it was about... near the end I got it, but then really nothing happened. fortunately it's just 80 minutes
Rated 22 Jun 2022
daxvDaxV
Rated 14 Apr 2020
80
60th
This put me directly in place with the characters, some of the home video footage that comes in here and there adds to that effect. There's a certain air of nostalgia to it even though the film deals with a situation that is dark, which gives it a nice touch. It also looks great and being a Elliott Smith fan I can't help but love the way his music is utilized as others have mentioned.
Rated 14 Apr 2020
silent_discosilent disco
Rated 24 Feb 2020
75
60th
Elephant Jr. both in its untampered celebration of youthful existence and application of slow unraveling mystery, as each is less enthralling and less impactful, but in following a single specimen we get a fuller picture with some new details. Momsen knocks it out of the park, the breakup scene is a facial expression smorgasboard. Doyle films skateboarding like Shangri-la, and of course to them it is. Amazing soundtrack, eclectically capturing the eternal spirit of the dream we call youth.
Rated 24 Feb 2020
detoxDetox
Rated 26 Nov 2019
84
75th
It's not a de-construction like CCLZA said, it's a construction. Like all the stuff that's happening around you when you're young could be laid out in front of you in a systematic order. Van Sant finds beautiful pictures which oscilliate (always wanted to use that word) between movement and stillness and the life in them and between them feels infinite. The movie left me here and there but all around I enjoyed it very much. Great use of Rota's music btw!
Rated 26 Nov 2019
edwardedward
Rated 25 Feb 2018
97
96th
The best script writers know that you don't need much dialog to write a great, compelling script. I loved that about Kubric and I love it about Van Sant. It's a gift to the viewers who value imagination. The more films I watch, the higher Van Sant's scores get.
Rated 25 Feb 2018
yiannosYiannos
Rated 13 Aug 2017
73
78th
(Viewed on 04/05/14): Like Harmony Korine, Van Sant is genuinely interested in exploring the lives and dilemmas of young people rather than imposing restrictive narratives on them which are disingenuous. Through a carefully moduled use of image and sound, Van Sant delves into the mind of a young man dealing with an overpowering sense of guilt and estrangement. The slo-mo is overused and there is some needless repetition, but it's an effective mood piece about a boy's painful moral awakening.
Rated 13 Aug 2017
lonewolf2003Lonewolf2003
Rated 03 Dec 2014
82
88th
2nd viewing
Rated 03 Dec 2014
p_u_l_pP u l p
Rated 28 Jul 2014
77
85th
Mayo is sick.
Rated 28 Jul 2014
glm01glm01
Rated 07 Oct 2013
76
53rd
75.500
Rated 07 Oct 2013
shtickfigureshtickfigure
Rated 21 Aug 2013
89
82nd
Van Sant's decision to recruit unknown performers through Myspace yields some shaky acting from the supporting cast. But the lead is solid, and the film itself has the feeling of a dream where you're running in slow-motion to get away from something but just can't get your legs to move any faster. A beautiful, disturbing, and heart breaking film.
Rated 21 Aug 2013
donquixoticdonquixotic
Rated 22 Jul 2013
20
13th
How many scenes of someone staring into the middle distance or walking slowly or driving slowly and narrating la-di-dah teenage crap before it before it gets so tedious you have to switch off. I don't get Gus Van Sant.
Rated 22 Jul 2013
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 04 Jun 2013
87
87th
Van Sant sure has a style, and it works very well here. There's an interesting mystery plot and social setting, but it's the way the film delves into the teenage mindset that really sets it apart.
Rated 04 Jun 2013
caprimodecaprimode
Rated 06 Feb 2013
85
80th
Really well shot and great film demonstrating the isolation a (good) teenager feels after being involved in a horrible crime. Van Sant makes some strong directorial choices, and it just really captures what this kid is going through. The skateboarding sequences are great (and I don't know a thing about boarding).
Rated 06 Feb 2013
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 06 Jan 2013
70
53rd
I love Doyle's poetic camerawork.
Rated 06 Jan 2013
fra_paolofra paolo
Rated 12 Dec 2012
10
4th
It resembles a Pasolini film in many respects. But too melodramatic for me. The death sinks the film like a pair of cement galoshes.
Rated 12 Dec 2012
dunder74Dunder74
Rated 25 Aug 2012
8
86th
The acting can get rough at parts, but Paranoid Park is an incredible film. Not many films have a more enthralling cinematography than this. Van Sant presents melancholy footage of beautiful Portland, OR, set to Elliot Smith, and it works so wonderfully well. This is an essential film for those who appreciate cinematography.
Rated 25 Aug 2012
stevekimesstevekimes
Rated 08 Feb 2012
85
73rd
The most beautiful visuals of Portland ever. Good story, a little slow sometimes.
Rated 08 Feb 2012
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 30 Jan 2012
3
45th
A melodramatic premise treated with intimacy. The non-professional cast and 4:3 aspect ratio lend an authenticity that offsets some of the flashier photographic and editing effects.
Rated 30 Jan 2012
wayofthegunwayofthegun
Rated 05 Jan 2012
70
41st
One of the more artsy offerings from Gus Van Sant (more Elephant and Last Days than Good Will Hunting and Milk). I wouldn't say it's as good as the previous films which I've mentioned, but it's a unique movie with a reserved-yet-tortured performance from newcomer Gabe Nevins.
Rated 05 Jan 2012
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 17 Dec 2011
79
77th
This is a well made film. The lead performance is good by Gabe Nevins. The story keeps you interested and the film is well directed.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 24 Jul 2011
75
54th
This reminded me a lot of All About Lily Chou-Chou. Languid story about youth culture with a tragic turn of events, with distinctive use of music and camera technique. It's a tough film to classify, more of a mood piece. I was a little perplexed at what Van Sant was aiming for but it resonates and does a pretty good job of sucking you in. There are a few character moments that don't quite ring true, but this may be more a function of the non-professional cast than any fault of the screenplay.
Rated 24 Jul 2011
filmfreak88filmfreak88
Rated 17 May 2011
40
15th
A whole lot of nothing if you ask me. The acting was also terribly unconvincing.
Rated 17 May 2011
frnk23frnk23
Rated 09 Apr 2011
70
70th
love the sound
Rated 09 Apr 2011
johnsandwichJohnSandwich
Rated 03 Mar 2011
55
31st
It's not bad, but it isn't very good either. I don't mind "pretension", but something about this effort felt off. Maybe this is a bit harsh, but somehow it felt like a sense of unearned self-importance and gravitas pervades every shot and composition of a work that as a whole seemed decidedly minor. Also it dips into a sort of aimless music video aesthetic at times that isn't my favorite. So maybe it's just a preference thing, but for me this was a disappointment. Also, the acting was very bad.
Rated 03 Mar 2011
armondwhiteArmondWhite
Rated 10 Jan 2011
1
0th
Just when it looked like Van Sant was finally ready to present a movie real people might want to watch, Paranoid Park abandons universality and fetishizes the generality of skater boys.
Rated 10 Jan 2011
aceysaid10AceySaid10%
Rated 02 Jan 2011
79
39th
Almost like Van Sant is trying to downplay his directing skills and purposely make an "indie" film. One cool scene, however.
Rated 02 Jan 2011
glmglm
Rated 26 Dec 2010
73
50th
72.750
Rated 26 Dec 2010
petrostserPetrosTser
Rated 07 Sep 2010
70
70th
Gus Van Sant goes surprisingly deep into the thoughts of a confused teenager and directs a complete study on guilt with absolute realism. The thriller part isn't fascinating, but overall "Paranoid Park" is a rewarding experience thanks to the gradual unveiling of the truth, the great editing, the interesting performance of Gabe Nevins and the unadorned ending.
Rated 07 Sep 2010
freqflyerfreqflyer
Rated 28 Dec 2009
70
29th
Quirky. That's the only adjective to describe this film.Some suspense and tension & certainly some humorous and decent writing, but it fails to do the one thing that movies must make us do:care.OK,Alex is confused and sure, he lives in the chaos of a broken home, but we end up learning so little of either to ever give a damn.Such appropriate moments that the film could have used (in its ample 100m running time) are instead taken up with self-indulgent music scenes and montages.Disappointing.
Rated 28 Dec 2009
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 29 Nov 2009
78
57th
Good movie, Van Sant dishes out the scraps of the mystery at just the right pace, while giving us a complete insight into all areas of a teen's life and internal thoughts. Van Sant is the master at focusing on one single male character and showing us exactly what makes him tick. He has thought of every detail. It's a downbeat story but I can't think of any way I could tell it better.
Rated 29 Nov 2009
jazzalohaJazzaloha
Rated 27 Nov 2009
71
72nd
Captures teen alienation.
Rated 27 Nov 2009
totoroTotoro.
Rated 08 Sep 2009
75
64th
Everything I expected from Van Sant. Not a bad thing though.
Rated 08 Sep 2009
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 13 Aug 2009
75
80th
Gus Van Sant constructs an atmospheric film, a delicate story about remorse and guilt, with a beautiful soundtrack and a slow-paced visual.
Rated 13 Aug 2009
zombiebuffetZombieBuffet
Rated 04 Aug 2009
65
68th
Van Sant does a great job of portraying the emotional and moral disconnect of today's youth.
Rated 04 Aug 2009
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 20 Jul 2009
65
69th
Good Movie
Rated 20 Jul 2009
westknifewestknife
Rated 01 Jul 2009
66
39th
A basically good, thoughtful film with a little too much arty pretentiousness for its own good. The girlfriend character was a complete cardboard cutout, and even the main character didn't exactly blow me away with his acting. But the film as a whole has a nice, reflective sense to it which gives it a lasting impression. It's worth seeing.
Rated 01 Jul 2009
danilolopesDanilolopes
Rated 25 Jun 2009
70
36th
Not terrible, but, well...Van Sant's trying to hide his obvious limitations, behind Christopher Doyle's brilliant work. Just like Wong Kar-Wai.
Rated 25 Jun 2009
jonnyboyjonny_boy
Rated 24 May 2009
60
39th
Beautiful view of teenagers struggle.
Rated 24 May 2009
cahadras1Cahadras1
Rated 24 Apr 2009
82
64th
well done movie - awesome creation of soundtracks
Rated 24 Apr 2009
richiodorichiodo
Rated 07 Apr 2009
93
93rd
grandiosa pelicula
Rated 07 Apr 2009
hahaHaha
Rated 23 Mar 2009
70
42nd
Everything I expect from Van Sant in arthouse mode. Not bad, just not mind blowing.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
billythekydbillythekyd
Rated 06 Feb 2009
80
23rd
It's all a matter of taste. For some, this clearly is cinema of a high order. For me, it was like watching a glacier for 84 minutes. Cold, slow-moving, drip, drip, drip.
Rated 06 Feb 2009
moviejunkie5Moviejunkie5
Rated 05 Feb 2009
76
29th
The cinematography is very poetic, Gus Van Sant is known for his style of long shots of people walking, often in slight slow-motion. I'm a fan of long scenes with no cuts. Sometimes the best moments are the quiet takes of the main character walking along the beach and all that can be heard is the shore. If you like Van Sant films, you'll like this one. For those who haven't seen a Van Sant film, I'd say give it a chance. This film is up there with Van Sant's finest work thus far.
Rated 05 Feb 2009
kmcneilKMcNeil
Rated 30 Jan 2009
7
70th
Almost - though for me not quite - on par with Van Sant's two masterpieces, "Elephant" and the much overlooked "Mala Noche". Full of beautiful pictures: Strange compositions (often placing the fixed camera in weird spots), impressive tracking shots. Indeed very pretentious - but also very rewarding. Epitomizes the "love it or hate it" film.
Rated 30 Jan 2009
emtiltemtilt
Rated 19 Jan 2009
60
41st
Eh, it's decent but coulda been better. I like the direction that van Sant is going in as far as film structure, editing and cinematography, but weak acting and poor dialogue held this film back a great deal.
Rated 19 Jan 2009
zealot185Zealot185
Rated 11 Jan 2009
72
57th
Despite the amateur acting and minimalistic plot, it's Van Sant's unorthodox style that won me over. It's definitely not for everyone (especially the impatient) but it does provide a unique indie experience.
Rated 11 Jan 2009
jokerxggJokerXgg
Rated 29 Nov 2008
60
68th
Bawller movie
Rated 29 Nov 2008
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 12 Nov 2008
80
77th
Pretty darn great, hypnotic de-construction of a person's own world.
Rated 12 Nov 2008
20words20Words
Rated 25 Oct 2008
50
0th
Without slow-motion, 30 minutes of plot. Without plot, horrible actors. Without actors, empty skate park and French music. Naturalism? Nope!
Rated 25 Oct 2008
cdimacDima
Rated 27 Sep 2008
75
76th
Visually kick ass shots, I like the way the camera plays around. Storyline was shattered and recovered, acting by the main charactor was good, the others not so much. Over all a nice film.
Rated 27 Sep 2008
djrossdjross
Rated 01 Sep 2008
55
53rd
Interesting aspects. Problems are a certain dullness, the fact that at times it succumbs to a degree of cliché, and the fact that the movie seems to betray a distinct lack of interest, at best, in its female characters.
Rated 01 Sep 2008
willofgaiawillofgaia
Rated 15 Jul 2008
90
72nd
The sum is greater than the parts. Massively flawed but somehow still works wonderfully.
Rated 15 Jul 2008
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 20 Jun 2008
65
73rd
Quite good.
Rated 20 Jun 2008
whatismynamewhatismyname
Rated 01 Jun 2008
45
8th
Yea...can you say boring? A little too slow, a little too much of nothing going on. Fast forwarded through the slo-mo parts, and it was still tedious to watch.
Rated 01 Jun 2008
phaedrusphaedrus
Rated 31 May 2008
70
78th
Non-linear.
Rated 31 May 2008
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 23 May 2008
8
82nd
The best of Van Sant's indie films so far. Much better than Elephant and despite some minor flaws it is great.
Rated 23 May 2008
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 21 May 2008
63
60th
Van Sant continues in the dreamy sort of Bela-Tarr-like direction he's been taking with his recent movies, sparse plot, stretched-out sequences of slo-mo skateboarding, a lot of cinematic pizzazz, very impressionistic... it's interesting. Works better this time than in Last Days. He really has an eye for teenage subcultures and the subject matter here seems a bit more substantial somehow, although there's still no real drama, confrontation, climax...
Rated 21 May 2008
parcalihamparcaliham
Rated 20 May 2008
75
53rd
20 Mayis 08 & sinema hikaye anlatma sanatidir.GusVanSant ise kendi stiliyle "suc ve ardindan yasanan sucluluk duygusu" nu, genclik bunalimi ile harmanlayarak cok iyi islemis.ebeveyinlerin hep arka planda olusu, yuzlerini bile goremeyisimiz ayrintilari iyiydi.Kurguyu sevdim.Doyle'in goruntuleri, dogru muziklerle birlesince cok daha etkili oluyormus.fakat bazen muziklerin bol kullanimi rahatsiz etti- izlenebilinir, kotu olmayan bir film.tabii bir basyapit oldugu soylenemez.
Rated 20 May 2008
nperezNPerez
Rated 06 May 2008
55
12th
It doesn't feel like I'm watching a story unfold, it feels like I'm just watching people try to act. I can see what it's trying to be, but it's unconvincing, and seems uninspired - is anyone on this cast really into their roles? It doesn't seem like it.
Rated 06 May 2008
roujinroujin
Rated 08 Mar 2008
70
78th
using myspace to cast yr actors??? Bitch, please.
Rated 08 Mar 2008

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