Gus Van Sant once again shows his interest in adolescent angst and solitude in Paranoid Park, a film about a skater kid who accidentally kills a security guard near one of his skate parks, and must then live with the guilt. It's an observation of one teenagers quiet and moody life as it spirals out of control in a haunting dream like state that tries to capture the audience in a trance, but I'm not sure that it succeeded in doing so.There's a very specific style to Paranoid Park that is full of eerily calm and dreamy cinematography. This style tries very hard to work how Van Sant wants it to, but for me it really didn't translate to much more than blank stares and meaningless long shots. I can clearly see what the filmmakers were going for here but it ended up being more obnoxious than captivating. There's obvious talent at work here, but what sounded good on paper or felt great in the minds eye didn't transfer to celluloid quite as well.One thing I can commend Paranoid Park on is it's overall story and the unique narrative style in which it is all presented. The film is narrated by our protagonist, Alex, whose narration is actually part of a letter that he is writing throughout the movie. Because Alex isn't a writer his letter is a little out of order, as is the story and the events that play out in the film. We see certain events multiple times as Alex tells them in his own scatter brained fashion and this way of telling the story makes it more enthralling and much more personal. Throughout the plot there is some silly logic and pretty dumb moments, but as a story it is told very well.But there are many things holding the film back. The overly stylistic cinematography gets in the way and the overly subdued, practically catatonic acting detracts from everything else that is decent about the film. Paranoid Park isn't a disaster by any means, but it has it's fair share of issues that keep it from being that great of a film.

I remember driving to the cinema on my skateboard. I was then in the middle of a stage called 'growing up' and I was incredibly joyful that I will be able to watch a movie that is, at some point, connected to my passion. And even though skateboarding isn't obviously the main topic of the film I recall that I really enjoyed it, despite the fact that I maybe wasn't fully able to feel what Alex, the protagonist, felt throughout his uneasy adventure. Some years have passed. The passion is now gone, but the fascination with this film is still somewhere in my head. Mostly because it's the same Gus van Sant, who brought us the amazing My Own Private Idaho.Paranoid Park is a true coming of age story, which intersects with an investigation of a horrible crime that occurred somewhere on the way. We embark on a journey along with Alex, as he tries to cope with problems at home (divorce of his parents) and also with his sexuality (strong sexual tension coming from his girlfriend, Jennifer). At the same time he is being eaten alive by the guilt of what had happened on that one terrible night near the railroad tracks. The reminiscence of the accident and brutal, yet highly accidental, murder won't let him sleep. He wanders around town at night. In order to let go of the past, he starts to write about this terrible experience.Gabe Nevins gave a very decent performance in his first career role. The viewer is able to feel the pain and great fear coming out right of his eyes. This troubled teenager has already a very large bargain on his shoulders, considering his young age. The way, in which he attempts to deal with all the problems, may not be the smartest (like lying about the whole situation to the police investigator), but at least he is trying to fight with the world crashing over his head.The use of various camera effects gives the movie a fantastic vintage feel. Various slow motions sequences and recurring nostalgic and dream-like scenes create a very emotional atmosphere overall. The movie has some slightly boring parts, but because of the soundtrack, which beautifully interacts with the main storyline - at one moment builds the harmony, just to destroy it a few minutes later – all of them seem actually vital.In the end, I should mention the scenes, which caused the most joy at the time I watched it for the first time – teens skating around town, like nothing else matters. That's what I wanted to do then. And even though I know that the movie bears a very serious message to all of us, I also feel that it has this special thing that once caught this boy's attention and made him foolishly assume that being a passionate skater meant being free from all the world's problems.

I don't know where to begin. For me this is a landmark movie. Yes, skateboarding is central to it. And it inspires a lot of the visuals, music, lighting and camera work. But it isn't a movie about skateboarding tricks or a cameo by your favorite boarder. If you don't understand what I am referring to you won't get this movie. There is a lot of texture, mood and sensory involvement that isn't presented in the standard way. Its not weird, flashy, jarring or artsy, but it is art. If you need a catalyst to reach your own art, it inspires a synchronicity I have rarely experienced. It is a bit cerebral and it leaves me wondering if justice was served.

Skateboarding Portland, Oregon teenager Gabe Nevins (as Alex) is troubled after a sleep-over invitation from hunky pal Jake Miller (as Jared), who has offered to take him to a place called "Paranoid Park." Mr. Miller advises, "Getting laid is always better than not getting laid." On the night in question, a security guard is killed in the park. Mr. Nevins is questioned, at his high school, by detective Dan Liu (as Richard Lu). We learn Nevins' hot-to-trot virgin girlfriend Taylor Momsen (as Jennifer) wanted to see Nevins that evening, but he feared intercourse was likely. Nevins isn't interested in returning romantic signals from friendly Lauren McKinney (as Macy), either. And, his parents are divorcing. Director Gus Van Sant has young Nevins explain this film is told "a little out of order." And, so it goes. The something referred to as "outside of normal life" seems to be homosexuality, given the general tone of the picture - not to mention the sexy come hither smile Nevins receives from Scott Patrick Green (as Scratch). We do eventually see what happened on the night in question. It's grisly. The film very effectively captures the dangerous allure of restless youthful adventure, and certainly shows how it can sometimes result in tragedy - a real downer, in this particular case, unfortunately. Still, "Paranoid Park" artistically and stylistically very satisfying. Christopher Doyle and the crew help make it hum.******** Paranoid Park (5/21/07) Gus Van Sant ~ Gabe Nevins, Taylor Momsen, Jake Miller, Dan Liu