Shopgirl Synopsis: Mirabelle is a disenchanted salesgirl and aspiring artist who sells gloves and accessories at a department store. She has two men in her life: wealthy divorcée Ray Porter and struggling musician Jeremy. Mirabelle falls in love with the glamorous Ray, and her life takes a magical turn, but eventually she realizes that she must empower herself and make a choice between them.
Directed by: Anand Tucker
Written by: Steve Martin
Released: October 21, 2005
Runtime: 104 minutes
Rated: R
Mirabelle (Claire Danes) is an aspiring artist who makes ends meet by working at the gloves counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. Her life is relatively dull until she meets Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman), an aimless slacker who is into music and fonts, and Ray (Steve Martin), a wealthy divorcee. Both are infatuated with Mirabelle, and while she finds Jeremy intriguing, she soon falls hard for Ray. Eventually, it becomes clear that Ray is not looking for anything serious, and Jeremy needs to become more serious about his future. Mirabelle then needs to decide what her own future will look like and who will be a part of it.
This was the first time I’ve ever seen Shopgirl. I remember starting to watch it years ago but getting distracted by something and never returning to it. I’m glad I finally sat back down to watch it. I enjoyed the cast quite a bit, and it was nice seeing Steve Martin in something more akin to a dramedy than the pure comedies I’ve grown accustomed to. He is, of course, a comedic genius, but he has a lot of range I don’t see often – which is mostly my fault because I’m sure there are many of his films I’ve not seen yet.
Claire Danes is as affable ever as Mirabelle. Vulnerable, emotionally open, and clinically depressed, she grows through her mature yet casual relationship with Ray, as well as her awkward connection with Jeremy. And, of course, Jason Schwartzman plays Jeremy to perfection – a socially inept slob who, in reality, probably should never be able to attract a girl like Mirabelle, but he has a weirdly charming vibe to him. And he’s willing to change himself to win the girl.
Shopgirl is a delicate film held afloat by the strength of its cast. With her fearless performance as Mirabelle, Danes is the star here, but Martin and Schwartzman seem perfectly fine with stepping back and letting her shine. She has pleasant enough chemistry with both men, but I can’t help but root a bit for the underdog – Jeremy.
At the same time, I was disappointed in the lack of answers regarding Ray. We get no explanation as to why Ray decides to pursue Mirabelle, or what attracted him to her in the first place. He appears in a reasonably casual way, and suddenly, he’s sending her gifts and taking her out to dinner. What is his motivation beyond sex? At least when Jeremy and Mirabelle meet, there is a conversation and understanding. Sure, it may be a bit cringe-worthy, but it starts a journey that leads to a rather satisfying destination. Ray may reveal himself throughout the movie, but there is still always the mystery of why surrounding him.
Ultimately, I found Shopgirl to be an enjoyable watch. Maybe not one I will choose for repeat viewings, but it’s a lovely little film that deserves more recognition.
Watched: 02.24.2024
Notable Song: Somewhere in My Heart by The Volebeats
