Review of Shopgirl (2005) by Gretchen P — 19 Nov 2008

I love the simple love stories Martin tells in his novella, but I wondered if the film wasn't hurt somehow by having him attached to it. This was not a relationship--between Martin's and Danes' characters--that I felt was particularly compelling or believable.

And, at times, I was distracted by Martin's narration. Every time he chimed in on the story, it snapped me out of the plot, and set my mind to wandering through other Martin roles (for example, The Jerk).

It was a beautifully shot film, though--the cinematography was spectacular, thoughtful. Schwartzman was adorable; it was easy to root for his character. And Danes did a superb job in her portrayal. Having been a young woman myself, once, I recall all too well those extreme feelings of want and confusion and awe that come with that age. Danes captured the raw emotion brilliantly.