Shopgirl, 2005, Steve Martin, Claire Danes, Jason Schwartzman
Shopgirl is a 2005 film starring Steve Martin, Claire Danes and Jason Schwartzman. It is based on the 2001 novella of the same name. Both the novella and the screenplay were written by Steve Martin. The film was released in the United States on October 21, 2005. The DVD was released April 25, 2006.
Shopgirl opened to mixed reviews, though much praise was given to Claire Danes for her lead performance, many critics remarked that the film was too closely presented in the vein of the critically acclaimed 2003 Sofia Coppola film Lost in Translation, which also focuses on an older man (Bill Murray) forming a relationship with a younger woman (Scarlett Johansson).
The movie has a 66% "fresh" rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot outline
The story follows Mirabelle Buttersfield (Claire Danes), an aspiring artist, who works at Saks Fifth Avenue (Neiman Marcus in the novella) in Beverly Hills, California. She meets two men who are romantically pursuing her at the same time. One, Ray Porter (Steve Martin), is a wealthy, divorced logician. The other, named Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman), is an awkward young amplifier salesman and aspiring font artist. Mirabelle is swept off her feet by the former, who is unable to commit to her emotionally. The situation is further clouded when the latter falls madly in love with her; although she finds him somewhat less desirable than his older rival, he can offer her the promise of exclusivity.
At first, Mirabelle chooses Ray over Jeremy. They have a long affair in which Mirabelle devotes herself to Ray even though his only intentions appear to be physical. Ray showers her with expensive gifts - at one point paying off her nearly $40,000 student loan. He eventually cheats on her and confesses this to Mirabelle. Mirabelle is hurt and spends time with her family during Christmas while Ray is in New York. He calls her at her parents' home and invites her to New York. She accepts. They continue to date, while a co-worker of Mirabelle plots against her. She has intentions of being with Ray because she sees how happy he makes Mirabelle. She ends up mistaking Jeremy for Ray Porter and her plot ends. Mirabelle is finally confronted with the fact that Ray cannot become exclusive to her. They break up, and they go on with their lives. Mirabelle quits her job at Saks and goes to work at an art gallery.
Meanwhile, Jeremy has been touring the country with a rock band while simultaneously listening to many books-on-tape about how to have a successful relationship. He learns manners, etiquette and proper hygiene skills. Upon his return to Beverly Hills, he attempts to go on a second date with Mirabelle which goes successfully and the two begin dating.
The film ends with Mirabelle meeting Ray again at an art show. Since they were last together, Mirabelle has formed a loving relationship with Jeremy and become an accomplished artist. Ray finally admits that he had always loved Mirabelle. However, she does not take him back and leaves with Jeremy.Wikipedia
