Julian RuncanShopgirl: I Buy It
June 19th 2010 15:14
Shopgirl is a pretty rare movie. Everything about it is clichéd, but the characters feel so genuine that it's hard to care. Credit belongs to a combination of good writing and performances, and although it doesn't bring anything new to table, it's still a good movie about love and life.
Steve Martin changes gears a bit here. As a writer he's surprisingly emotional, and his performance is unlike I've seen him before. Not only does he show restraint and calm, but pulls off the delicate balance between sensitive older man and millionaire playboy. As a couple, Danes and Martin make their relationship feel genuine, and considering the prominent age difference this was no easy task.
There are a couple unnecessary subplots, probably meant to pad out the short source material, but the movie still holds its own. From the performances to the pacing, the film exudes a calculated patience that's rare in movies today. This control, without becoming too boring, is much harder to pull off than people realize.
If you can't get into Shopgirl within the first half an hour, there isn't too much to gain from this movie. This is a specific case where the viewer needs to relate to the characters, otherwise you're just watching the same film you've seen twenty times by now. The performances do make a connection incredibly easy though, and although I wasn't ever surprised, I was quite charmed.
7.5/10
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