Paranoid Park
Director: Gus Van Sant
Actors: Gabe Nevins, Daniel Liu, Taylor Momsen
PlotA teenage skateboarder named Alex becomes entangled in a tragic incident after deciding to visit an unauthorized skate park. Enigmatic and distant, Alex navigates the pressures of high school life and strained family relationships. The story follows his internal struggle as he grapples with the event’s aftermath and his inability to confide in anyone. His interactions become increasingly detached, and the once simple act of skateboarding takes on new, darker undertones. His girlfriend, Jennifer, and his best friend, Jared, sense something is off, but Alex remains guarded about his secret, pushing them away. His isolation leads him deeper into a complex emotional state.
As Alex journals his thoughts and rewinds through the memory of the incident, the audience is drawn into his inner turmoil and guilt. Flashbacks reveal the critical moments and the choices he made that led to the tragedy. The tension builds as Alex faces intense inner conflict, balancing his fear of being discovered with the overwhelming burden of his conscience. His world grows increasingly fragmented, and his constant reflection on what transpired at the skate park becomes a consuming force. The narrative is meticulously crafted to unfold through Alex's perspective, allowing viewers to experience his anxiety and confusion firsthand, showcasing the profound impact a single event can have on an individual's psyche.
Writers: Gus Van Sant, Blake Nelson
Release Date: 24 Oct 2007
Runtime: 85 min
Rating: R
Country: France, United States
Language: French, English
Home Video Reviews
Gus Van Sant's 'Paranoid Park' is a polarizing yet memorable film, worth owning despite its 1.78:1 aspect ratio and stylized high definition limitations.
Read our review of Paranoid Park Blu-ray to find out more