Shopgirl

—1. Overview (multimedia)
—2. Overview Basic (dial up speed)
—3. Reviews and Blogs
—4. Cast and Crew
—5. Photo Pages
—6. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—7. Posters (Steve Martin)
—8. Production Notes (pdf)
—9. Spiritual Connections
—10. Presentation Downloads

Summing up the pain of an evitable short-term relationship, Mirabelle laments, “I guess I have to choose to be miserable now, or miserable later.� Mirabelle realizes relationships built on anything less than long term commitment and love will eventually bring heartache. Working as a glove counter salesgirl at Saks Fifth Avenue in LA, most of her days are spent in quiet loneliness and boredom as she waits for her big break as an artist.

At the Laundromat, she meets awkward Jeremy (Jason Swartzman), a sort of artist who likes to invent new fonts for amplifier packaging. He’s everything a promising, bright young woman doesn’t really want. He’s the kind of guy who honks at you from the street when he picks you up for a date. Then he fake people-watches with you in front of the movie theater until you agree to “go dutch.� He’s a little greasy, a little silly and very self-conscious.

One wouldn’t blame, Mirabelle, then when an older, richer, more assured man by the name of Ray Porter (Steve Martin) comes around and offers dinner and expensive gloves. Quiet and respectful, the divorced Ray lavishes Mirabelle with gifts, but he hopes she understands their relationship remains at arms length. As he talks with his psychiatrist, and she talks with a friend from work, they both reveal their very different perspectives on their relationship. Clearly, their dates (including sex) have captured her heart more than his.

As Jeremy becomes a roadie for a traveling rock and roll band traveling for a several month tour, Ray journey’s too for a shorter trip to Seattle. There, he has a one night affair with an old flame. On his return, he tells Mirabelle about it, and subsequently, realizes how much emotion she has brought to their pairing. With his confession, she begins the first step in her independence. She realizes she needs more than gifts. She needs a committed heart.

Reminiscent of the superior LOST IN TRANSLATION, the movie highlights both the advantages and hazards of a May/December relationship. It also shows how awkward young love can be. When Ray loses Mirabelle, he realizes that he did love her. After Jeremy steps away from Mirabelle, he discovers how to show real love to another.

Neither a pure comedy or a drama, laughs and eyebrows raise subtly. The soundtrack compliments the relaxed action on screen. Claire Danes may find herself as a best actress award nominee in a few months. Likewise, Martin may score a writing nom.

At the emotional fulcrum point of the story, Mirabelle makes her choice. She chooses to be miserable - now. Revealing her character growth, she also recognizes the growth in Jeremy. Together, they can now mutually explore the extent of a mutually understood, mutually shared love.

Both a cautionary tale to casual relationships and a clarion call to the necessity of committed, authentic love, SHOP GIRL teaches the audience to be careful of what they buy because when it’s a human heart, it needs handling with whole-hearted care.

—Overview