Shopgirl (2005)
Steve Martin, Claire Danes, Jason Schwartzman

Actor and comedian Steve Martin wrote a short novel of just 130 pages (a novella) titled Shopgirl, which was published in 2000. In 2005, he starred in the movie adaptation of his novel. Shopgirl is one of those movies that came and went very quickly. However, my guess is that this poignant movie about the intricacies of life and love will become somewhat of a ‘little cult film.

This is not your typical love triangle. We have Mirabelle, who is an artist, but paying her rent by clerking at Saks Fifth Avenue. She works in the glove department, selling long elegant evening gloves. Consequently, she is bored out of her mind--the shopper’s walk past her counter without a glance. She spends most days, leaning on the counter watching the action taking place around her. Then she goes home alone to her cat that does not pay much attention to her. Mirabelle Buttersfield is portrayed by fragile looking Claire Danes. Mirabelle meets quirky Jeremy Kraft (Jason Schwartzman) late one night while doing her laundry in a Laundromat. Jeremy appears to be unmotivated or under motivated, and is slightly goofy, but there is something appealing and likable about him. They exchange telephone numbers and Mirabelle calls him while battling a bout of loneliness. A relationship of sorts develops. She realizes there should be more, but she does not have more so she continues to see Jeremy. Enter wealthy and much older Ray Porter (Steve Martin). When Porter stops by her counter, she is delighted to have a customer. He asks her advice concerning what color gloves to buy, she tells him. One evening as she arrives home, she finds a gift-wrapped package at her doorstep; they are the gloves that Porter bought and a note asking for a date. Where Mirabella once had no men in her life, she now finds herself with two. Mirabelle does care for gentle and free-spirited Jeremy who seemingly has no real ambition. However, it is when Ray comes into her life that she begins to enjoy the niceties that being a pretty young 20’s something can bring, when a wealthy older man decides to woo you. Things become complex when Mirabelle realizes that she and Porter have different ideas about romance and their relationship. At first glance, this movie may feel artificial, but it is not; there is definitely a solid and realistic love story here.

The movie Shopgirl is Amazon’s 2006 Best of DVD of the Year So Far list. There are a few minor changes in the movies but not enough to take away the substance of Steve Martin’s novella.

Rated R

-Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations.