Life, Love and Loss: A Modern-Day Romantic Masterpiece
Added 7/26/2009
Shopgirl. Romance, comedy, drama. Starring: Claire Danes, Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman. Directed by: Anand Tucker. 104 minutes. English subtitles. M.
It's not often you get a realistic, yet heartfelt and philosophical look at modern day romance, in the cinematic world. In amongst the tacky and the predictable films available in the romance and comedy genre, Shopgirl is a refreshing breath of fresh air mixing together a fun and amusing storyline whilst also pointing out some of life's realities and truths about love, dating, emotions and how two people can interpret a conversation and situation they are both in, entirely opposite to one another.
Director Anand Tucker who is also known for participating in the creation of such movies as `Bridget Jone's Diary' and `Beyond The Sea' as well as writing and directing many of his own films has done a beautiful job of bringing Steve Martin's 2001 novel of the same title, to the big screen.
Away from the busy, bustling excitement of the crowds downstairs in the department store Sacks where she works, Mirabelle Buttersfield is introduced to us as a lonely and bored glove sales girl, who while waiting patiently day after day for customers who barely make it to her counter because her area is not a popular choice for sales, yearns for something or someone special and promising to fill her life and longs for a magical romance like the ones she sees around her.
Enter Jeremy, an awkward, sloppy yet well-meaning artist and `amp stamp' designer, who Mirabelle meets at a laundromat quite unexpectedly. The two embark on an uncomfortable, clumsy, yet semi-satisfying journey of dates and passion. Finally feeling wanted and needed, Mirabelle keeps coming back to him and cannot forget him even though she feels that he is not the right man for her.
All of Mirabelle's dreams finally come true when she is propositioned by a suave and charming businessman, Ray Porter, who is the complete opposite of Jeremy. He showers her with extravagant gifts and gives her the tender and seemingly uncomplicated love that Jeremy failed to provide her, and in return she gives him her most treasured possession; her heart. But looks and charms can be deceiving. Mirabelle must come to terms with the realization that those in her life may not have her best interests at heart and figure out who her loyalties really belong to.
The movie gives a deep and meaningful look at human growth and becoming a better person through the inspiration of others, and moments in life not being what they seem, but is also quite superficial in parts in regards to each character's worth as a person based on looks, status and wealth, which of course is only a truthful reflection of society's expectations and prejudices. However, there is the feeling throughout the film of the idea of the `perfect man' and changing who you are to fit this mould both physically and emotionally, being very important in order to gain the affections of someone you love in order not to be sidelined, rather than you and the ones around learning to love you for who you are.
The settings of the film are laidback and moody with soft lighting and gentle darkness falling around places like Mirabelle's apartment and the outside areas to give a presence of mystery, sensuality and romance. Every piece of scenery has its' own unique specialty to make it fit with the scene and mostly gives a feeling of tranquility and peace, with the mixture of both the layout and lulling instrumental music. Objects are used in creative ways for symbolism like windscreen wipers hitting the sides of the window loudly when Mirabelle herself is very angry and disappointed, perhaps both to show her emotions and to give the impression that even her windscreen wipers are not perfect just like her life isn't, and seem to be against her, trying to drive her crazy.
City lights are shown lit up all around from high above, every now and then to blend with the view that we are all connected with one another.
Slow motion is used to dramatize scenes of happiness, sadness and even to symbolize thought, such as when Mirabelle is driving in her car and listening to a radio show which is discussing the type of hormones brought out when a person is embraced by their lover, the cars and street lights ahead of her move slowly as if she is deep in thought and coming to a life-changing realization.
The music ranges from pretty, gentle taps of the xylophone and moody, melancholy strings from instruments such as the violin and piano, especially when Mirabelle and Ray are together, to give the sense of an uncertain but special new beginning, the music is upbeat and funky when both Jeremy and Ray ask Mirabelle out to give a feeling of excitement, breaking away from the mundane and getting what she's always wanted; some form of love.
Claire, Jason and Steve's acting abilities really shine in this film. Each actor really becomes their character, whether it's with the scared, tortured looks of sorrow and uncertainty from Mirabelle's eyes, the intense, charismatic gazes from Ray or the awkward, embarrassing body language and actions from Jeremy, each actor is convincing and make for an entertaining watch.
Shopgirl is a highly recommended film. Ranging from both dark and light, deep to humorous, it is a film that will strike and capture just about anyone's sensibilities.
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Quirky, beautiful, sincere... not for everyone
Added 7/16/2009
It took me long enough but I've finally watched this film. I was living in Germany when it was released so...
What's surprising is how beautiful this film is. It seems to start out droll and somewhat morose. That was the trap. Even as it was seemingly touching but depressing it unfolded from that less than impressive bud into a flower of haunting beauty- with its fair share of thorns.
The seems simple enough: a bored, attractively handsome young women is looking for her place in life, in Los Angeles as she sells gloves in a SAKS 5th Ave. store, a garment no one wears anymore (is this a metaphor for our notions of old fashioned romance?).
Her life is not empty, but it is not exciting or even very interesting. She's acutely aware of this fact.
On the chance that letting her guard down might yield something happening, anything happening in her life she goes on a date with a shy, quirky, socially awkward artist. He's poor as dirt. She wants something more in her life. It's a weird but not useless coupling. It's also not what she'd hoped for. Still, he's better than nothing, right?
Along comes a man who is both interested in her, but also has wealth, taste and maturity going for him. Too bad he's not willing to open up. He clearly has feelings for her even as he denies them to himself and her. Oddly enough he goes to great lengths to make her a part of his life, enough so that she lets her artist go believing the new man in her life might be the "one".
The artist takes the time to do some growing as part of the road crew for a traveling rock band.
Hopefully that's enough to get you interested or warn you off depending on the type of films you like.
This is clearly a more artful film and I find the romantic comedy label to be misleading. In this case artful is not odd. It's also not riddled with the standards. The motives of the players are discovered through their actions, sometimes small gestures and just plain old atmosphere. I love films that don't beat me over the head with a "message". I likewise don't like films that talk down to me (unless it's obvious, like a joke).
As the story unfolds I'm left with the idea that it's fine to like these characters as much for their all too human flaws as well as for their hopes and small triumphs.
The score, sound editing and cinematography, as well as art direction are beautiful supporting players for the story.
Also worth mentioning is Steve Martin's brief but beautiful narrative used to frame some of the essence of these people's lives.
I'm also surprised at some of the negative remarks concerning this film and the viewers expectations.
That's too bad but also expected. After all this is a film that seems quite unlikely from the guy who started his cinematic career as "The Jerk" (still a fun film).
He's come a long way and he wears very well with age.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Great story
Added 1/22/2009
Steve Martin is a very gifted writer, and although the film version of Shopgirl of course leaves many details out and makes a few changes, the fact that he did the screen adaptation himself and starred in it shows that it remains as he wanted it. I didn't care for it much at first, but subsequent viewings have really made their mark on me. Anand Tucker very sensitively directs this quiet and aching meditation on modern love in Los Angeles. As another reviewer beautifully put it, it's a contemplative and serene film making generous use of small, muted gestures. As such, it takes time to sink in and may not appeal to those who prefer their movies to be more obvious and hard-hitting. Steve Martin is not that kind of writer. Claire Danes is radiantly beautiful here, and Barrington Pheloung's magnificent score is heartbreaking, adding tremendous emotional depth and power to key scenes. Steve Martin gives an understated performance and nicely captures Ray Porter's inability to truly give himself where it counts; the scene where he parts from Mirabelle for the last time and she runs into the open arms of Jeremy is almost unbearably sad when considered from Ray's point of view. Do read Martin's novella, but give this very fine little film a chance as well.
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3 stars out of 4
Added 1/16/2009
The Bottom Line:
Shopgirl really could have done without Jason Schwartzman's annoying performance and character, but the romance between Steve Martin and Claire Danes is so true and unconventional that the movie is easily worth recommending.
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A sweet and poignant story of love's mysterious twists and turns
Added 12/27/2008
Claire Danes is Mirabelle Buttersfield, a young woman on her own in Los Angeles. Jason Swartzman is Jeremy, a young man living nearby. The two meet in the laundryroom of their apartment complex and strike up a friendship of sorts. Both are aspiring artists - as yet "undiscovered".
Mirabelle spends her days at the upscale Saks Fifth Ave., working at the glove counter - her nights alone - after shopping for groceries at the local market. Then one day, Ray Porter, (Steve Martin) stops at the counter to buy a pair of gloves and Mirabelle's life is suddenly changed. They date, and a relationship begins for both. Mirabelle is ushered into a world of wealth and privilege and - love. Ray, at the age of 50, is charmed and intrigued but, as Mirabelle later discovers, interested in a sexual relationship only.
Claire Danes brings a wonderful sweetness and vulnerability to her role. Martin, a benign selfishness. While he showers her with gifts and trips to exotic places, he misleads her and brings her to tears in the end.
Jeremy, meanwhile, is making his own way in the world with luck and determination, as well as humor. He is disarming and funny and in love with Mirabelle.
A wistful, meandering trip down lover's lane!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Good quality, long wait
Added 10/27/2009
Great condition for a used DVD. Shipment took longer to arrive than I would have liked.
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THE FAMILY STONE
Added 9/25/2009
THE FAMILY STONE IS ONE OF THE FUNNIEST YET HEARTWARMING STORIES I HAVE EVER SEEN. MY MOTHER DIED OF BREAST CANCER AND SHE SO LOVED SNOW AS THE MAIN CHARACTER IN THIS MOVIE DID. THE MOVIE DEPICTS A "TYPICAL" DISFUNCTIONAL FAMILY WHO USES THEIR HUMOR TO SURVIVE. AS SYBIL SAYS IN THE MOVIE...."WE ARE ALL WE HAVE". MOVIE WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND AFFORDABLE. THANKS AMAZON FOR PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH SUCH GREAT PRODUCTS.
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Tea: I do believe just a half cup..
Added 9/12/2009
Overall not as bad as it could have been, but it wasn't a great movie. I liked it enough though, that I would buy it for my DVD collection.
When I saw the trailers for this movie, I had hoped it was going to be really funny (it's amazing how great they can make a movie look just from a trailer). However, it failed to fulfill my hopes. It had some funny moments in it (one of which for me, was not the kitchen fridge scene) that saved it. And it had some very touching moments in it too. Between some of the funny and some of touching, there was a reason for me to finish the movie.
It's the story of a son, who brings his Type A personality to the extreme girlfriend home, for his whole family (two sisters and two brothers) to meet for the very first time, during the Christmas holiday. Little does his family know, which they soon discover, that he plans on proposing to her, when he requests the heirloom ring from his mother. Well, some of the family is against the match, and then there's the secret health issue (of one member of the family) that hasn't been revealed to all the family yet, making for lots of drama.
It's a sweet sometimes funny movie that could have been great, but unfortunately just fell short of the mark.
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