The graphic novel library shelves have been plundered again as Bryan Lee O’Malley’s series of stories about a love-struck slacker are brought to life. Life being the operative word as director Edgar Wright infuses Scott Pilgrim vs. the World with a kinetic energy and innovative spark. From its hallucinogenic opening titles to its closing credits, it’s filled with visual surprises and an irresistible charm that make it a joy even for those of us not familiar with the books.
The English-born Wright, who made his reputation with Shaun of the Dead and cemented it with Hot Fuzz, may at first seem an unlikely choice to helm the story set in small town Canada, but it proved an inspired one. Working with a screenplay he co-wrote with Michael Bacall, Wright blurs the edges between comic book and film. Using text, graphics and an array of artistic flourishes, you are constantly made aware of the format of the source material.
Condensing O’Malley’s six books into one film, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World follows the exploits of Pilgrim (Michael Cera), the 23 year-old jobless bass player with the band Sex Bob-Omb. In his attempt to win the affections of the enigmatic Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Pilgrim finds himself forced to battle her seven evil ex-boyfriends. The character’s appeal is that while appearing frail and nerdish, when compelled to fight, he suddenly finds himself in possession of extraordinary powers. Able to leap great heights and imbued with phenomenal strength, Pilgrim proves more than a match for what, initially at least, appear to be superior foe.
There’s only a vague physical resemblance between Cera and the manga-styled hero of the books. And any personality similarities are coincidental rather than deliberate. In his career so far, Cera has tended to adopt the same persona; that of a rather awkward, limp geek. It’s one that works for the role of Pilgrim who is out of his league in his pursuit of the more assured and wordly Ramona, who, by her own admission, has “dabbled in being a bitch.’’
There’s a sense of anything goes about Wright’s approach. The film maintains a frenetic and anarchic quality. The humor and vitality come as much from the characters as it does from the visualization. Barely pausing for breath, it follows Pilgrim as he encounters his seven challengers, who range from the brawny Lucas Lee (Chris Evans), to the brainy Gideon Gordon Graves (Jason Schwartzman).
The film is rich in colorful characters, the majority of who comprise Pilgrim’s close circle of friends. In addition to the lead actors, there’s an excellent ensemble cast, notably Kieran Culkin as Pilgrim’s gay roommate and Ellen Wong as Knives Chau, an impressionable teenager besotted with Pilgrim.
Following a long trend in Hollywood for action movies, we are now deeply immersed in a cinematic obsession with all things comic book related. On this enjoyable evidence, it’s easy to see why.
Kevin Murphy
