After a packed weekend of friendly gatherings, films, dinners and great chats, I must admit that I was a little stumped as to what I was going to fill my very first post with. This real life to screen malarky is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I would be lying if I said that I hadn't considered some form of criminal activity to spice things up a bit.
But have no fear. For this evening I revisited one of my old favourite eating establishments and all was made clear. Starvin' Marvins is a 50s diner just off the M40 en route to London. Now this first image doesn't quite capture the whole place, but did involve me getting as far away from it as I could without being hit by a car. So you know... bonus picture taking points for me!
The second image was taken by one of my friends from the inside of my car. As I didn't actually take the photo, I must lose points here... but I did have to slow to almost a halt on the off-road of a busy motorway, so you'll cut me a little slack please.
Having said that, the photo also includes a random man who was not one of my merry party. Let me assure you that he is not a permanent fixture and that if you make the trip out to Starvin' Marvins looking for him, you will be sorely disappointed.
I visited this place quite a bit a few years ago, but hadn't been for a while. I enjoyed the novelty of the trip, as I'm sure a great many of the British do. We don't get a lot of diners off our motorways over here... we pretty much get shitty cafes and fast food. However, I soon found that the features I was once enchanted by had lost some of their spark. The signs on the walls appeared tired and faded, the laminated chequerboard menus seemed tacky and the chirpiness of the staff was decidedly un-50s. I hoped that the owners has just let the place go downhill, but I suspected otherwise.
This reminded me of a scene from Ghost World (Terry Zwigoff, 2001)
Ghost World follows recent high school graduate Enid (Thora Birch) and her struggle to adapt to the burgeoning pressures of adulthood. Enid seems to despise the norm and the film presents the audience with little evidence to suggest that her attitude isn't completely justified. The vast majority of the supporting characters are presented as simple, deluded, pretentious or downright stupid. Whilst Enid's ability to cut through great swathes of bullshit in a darkly comedic fashion should cause the average viewer to embrace her instantly. However, it isn't long before the often cruel manner of her address, coupled with a fickle nature which continually prompts mood swings and fleeting phases gives cause for concern.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's get back to the real life connection...
A crucial element which seems to drive Enid from one phase to another is her quest for meaning, emotional connection and authenticity in a seemingly cold and superficial world. This theme is present throughout, but the scene which prompted my choice of film this week takes place in a 50s diner.
Enid and her friend Becky (Scarlett Johansson) visit 'Wowsville' which purports to be an authentic 50s diner. Once inside, they make fun of the 90s music which plays in the background and comment on the incongruity of their waiter's long curly hair. The restaurant isn't special and certainly doesn't evoke a 50s vibe. As with most of Enid's experiences throughout the film, there is no meaning beneath the cold surface of things. Unfortunately, this describes my experience at Starvin' Marvins. It felt completely commercial and without spirit. Although I had been impressed countless times before, something just didn't feel right and I instantly thought of Enid and her search for authenticity and meaning.
Interestingly for my first review, one of the key contributors to my enjoyment of the film is my identification with Enid's feelings and experiences. Enid's resistance to change, unwillingness to accept new responsibilities and quest for self-discovery are broad elements which are easy to identify with. However, the specificity of many of her encounters also rings true. For instance, due to less than perfect grades Enid is forced to take an art class over the summer. The pretentiousness of her teacher (Roberta, played by Illeana Douglas) and the class is beyond belief... unless you have ever taken an art class. Having studied film for about six years, I can confirm that there are many Robertas in this world and I have been frustrated and irritated by most of them. This fictional Roberta presents her class with a short film to provide them with an insight into her 'specific skin'. She also dismisses Enid's drawing book as 'cartoons' and gravitates towards a messy sculpture made entirely of jumbled coat hangers which is supposedly an artist's response to 'a woman's right to choose'. As with many of the scenes from Ghost World, these art class sequences entertain and amuse by taking the mundane and exaggerating for comic effect.
There are many more things to be said for Ghost World, but I can only recommend that you find them out for yourselves. Though perhaps not for everyone (the well adjusted need not apply), Ghost World reflects the often disconnectedness of youth and is as relevant today as it was ten years ago.
My Rating: 7.5 Sonias out of 10
Art Imitating Life Rating: 8.5 out of 10
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