19 Years Later, Gregg Araki’s Only Comedy is Already Aging Like Fine Wine
Gregg Araki's 2007 film "Smiley Face" is being reappraised as an overlooked gem of the stoner comedy genre, nearly two decades after its release. The film stands out as the sole straightforward comedy from a director best known for transgressive, DIY queer cinema, and is anchored by a standout lead performance from Anna Faris that has helped it age well critically.
The article traces Araki's evolution from ultra-low-budget 1980s and '90s films exploring queer and outsider themes—including his acclaimed "Teenage Apocalypse" trilogy—to more mainstream work such as 2004's "Mysterious Skin". "Smiley Face" follows Faris as an overwhelmed, perpetually stoned actress named Jane, who must scrape together money to pay off her dealer, played by Adam Brody, at a Venice Beach "Hempfest", with support from a cast including Danny Masterson and John Krasinski.
- "Smiley Face" (2007) is gaining renewed appreciation as a stoner comedy classic
- Anna Faris's lead performance anchors Gregg Araki's only straightforward comedy
- Piece traces Araki's path from underground queer films to mainstream work