I tried, I tried, I really, really tried to see "Ghost World" while it was in theaters. But alas, despite my best efforts, it somehow eluded my grasp. But I guess that's what DVD players are made for.
I even took the precaution of reading the graphic novel "Ghost World" by Daniel Clowes well in advance of the appearance of the movie, assuming I would in fact see the movie in theaters and wanting to have the experience of reading the original work in a pure, untouched state. I think I should probably start a reading group for people like me--people who anxiously read books just in advance of their appearance as Hollywood films.
In conjunction with the appearance of the movie, there have been several essays in the mainstream press giving writer/artist Dan Clowes the recognition he deserves for his work. One of my favorite pieces appeared in "The New Yorker," which included a quote from comedian Margaret Cho, who apparently wrote Clowes a mash note that gushed, "I love your work almost as much as I hate myself." Can there be any higher praise?