Not even the glimmering backdrop of Los Angeles’ city lights can the hide victims of loneliness in the upcoming film “Shopgirl,” which hits selected cities Friday, Oct. 28. The movie portrays the simple lives of three drastically different characters who search for themselves while they yearn for a piece of someone else.
Based on Steve Martin’s novella, “Shopgirl’s” thought-provoking poignancy captivates viewers with daunting realism and honest character interaction.
Confined to the overpriced and undervisited Saks Fifth Avenue glove department, sales clerk Mirabelle (Claire Danes), slouches behind the counter and waits for her life to happen. Alongside the lavish spread of the Los Angeles department store’s powder and perfume, her “plain Jane” persona secretly screams in desperation for companionship. However, despite “Shopgirl’s” themes of vulnerability and loneliness, Danes delivers a performance that is entrancingly beautiful, delicate and graceful to watch.
Recently relocated from Vermont, the twenty-something aspiring artist returns to her apartment each evening to feed the cat and attempt a charcoal-drawn self portrait. In what seems like the social highlight of her week, Mirabelle hits the laundromat and encounters the socially awkward and screamingly hilarious font designer, Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman). After a humorous conversation and an awkward exchange of digits, Jeremy decides to pursue Mirabelle.
Like watching a bad episode of “Blind Date,” Jeremy’s manners and social incompetence turn their first evening out into a disaster. After he invites himself inside and delivers the outlandish “Can I kiss you or what?” comment, Mirabelle decides Jeremy’s good intentions are not worth the trouble.
Her mundane lifestyle continues as she tries to forget the disastrous date, but a radio talk show revives her saddened solitude. Reluctantly, she places a late-night call to Jeremy, who awkwardly arrives for his bumbling sex debut. His feeble attempts to find a condom render only a mint from his pocket and the pathetic suggestion of a plastic baggie. Jeremy’s flawed sense of social interaction, although intolerable for a boyfriend, is hilarious for a viewer.
Sadly retreating to her routine, Mirabelle meets Ray (Steve Martin), a 50-year-old millionaire with exquisite taste, who gives her everything but his heart. Although he wines and dines her, he remains emotionally unattached and reduces their relationship to a physical connection.
While Ray thinks he is being up-front about the nature of their union, there is a clear misunderstanding. Mirabelle, whose unaffectionate father is a facsimile to Ray, disregards his lack of genuine feelings and continues to wrap herself around his finger. This inevitable heartbreak is easily detected, but it is a plot that viewers will not mind waiting patiently to unfold.
As the relationship with Ray progresses, Jeremy tours with a rock band for business, but ends up learning how to treat women and “live in the moment.” He continues to leave Mirabelle messages, and slowly but surely, he makes his way back to Los Angeles and back into her heart.
Director Anand Tucker includes numerous undertones of theme and metaphor, which are cleverly woven throughout the film. Although the movie is contemporary, the 1950s aura surrounding Mirabelle cannot be ignored. Whether it is her stylishly vintage wardrobe or the retro-plain décor of her apartment, the hints of dullness suggest the need for an awakening. Ray’s slick suits and spacious apartment augment a modern disconnectedness that amplifies his role. And then there is Jeremy, whose continuously quirky nature is exemplified on all levels, in all scenes.
These personas, which could be criticized as a bit cliché, are still interesting and real. Although “Shopgirl” contains a subtle lack of flow, it seems almost deliberate, making the film even more intriguing.
Hesitation before a purchase is normal, but after the buy, shoppers will leave completely content. Unexpectedly enjoyable, the movie will trigger thoughts, laughs and emotions. Although, like its characters, Shopgirl seems somewhat distant, the film’s conclusion delivers intriguing charm and utter satisfaction.
