Based on Steve Martin's novella of the same name, Shopgirl tells the story of three people with completely different lives in the lonely vastness of L.A. who are all searching for the same thing: to make a true connection with another human being. This sole desire that unites them also throws them into an unlikely love triangle in this flawed, but enjoyable film.
The object of affection in this triangle, Mirabelle Buttersfield (Claire Danes), works the glove counter at Saks Fifth Avenue. Like her wares, Mirabelle has a pristine appeal, which goes largely unnoticed. Mirabelle is an L.A. transplant from Vermont and lives her life in a modest solitude, keeping her true passions just beneath the surface, spending the day making a living at Saks and then returning to her true love -- her art -- at night.
Mirabelle begins a sloppy relationship with the goofy Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman), an age-appropriate guy who stencils logos onto amplifiers, after the two meet at the laundromat one evening. While there is an attraction between the two, Mirabelle finds Jeremy too immature for plausible relationship.
In contrast to Jeremy's ineptitude as a lover, Ray Porter (Steve Martin) sweeps into Mirabelle's life, suave as his patent leather shoes. A fifty-something logician working in the computer industry, Ray Porter knows what he wants and daringly asks the much younger Mirabelle to dinner. The two begin a tender relationship, Ray showing his affection in extravagant gifts, and Mirabelle reciprocating in sex. While there is true caring between the two, Mirabelle's love remains perpetually unreciprocated.
Meanwhile, Jeremy goes on the road with a rock band, promoting his company's amps. Lying in the bus for days on end with nothing but self-help tapes, Jeremy returns to L.A. at long last with new lessons of love under his belt and a more clean-cut appearance and lifestyle.
Though on the whole satisfying, the film has its rocky parts. At times it seems a little disjointed, and the performances of the actors leave you wanting. It is Schwartzman who brings the story its rare, outright funny moments, though sometimes his goofiness seems a little inconsistent with the feeling of the film. However, when his character lets his guard down, Schwartzman displays some moments of convincing sensitivity.
Martin's acting is largely uninspiring, though perhaps appropriate for his calculating character. Like Martin, Danes fits her role well, playing a convincing, quietly beautiful diamond in the rough. Despite the fact that their acting is appropriate, it is sometimes dispassionate to the point of uninteresting.
Similarly, the film has no strong emotional climax. But perhaps the film, though relatively not extraordinary, may be worthwhile for just this reason. While this quality makes the film potentially unentertaining in the conventional sense, it simultaneously gives it its honesty.
At times the movie feels like a potentially voyeuristic peep into the life of Martin himself. But based on real life or not, Martin's story makes for an insightful meditation on love. To his credit, he does not paint a glamorous portrait of the older man. On the contrary, in comparing the characters of Ray and Jeremy it is interesting to see, despite a vast gap in age and skills in wooing, that both men are equally immature in love. The film also humorously explores subjects such as miscommunication between men and women.
Those looking for thrilling plots or big laughs will not find them here. What this film has to offer is simply the story of how three people learn what it is to truly love and be loved in return. If you liked Lost in Translation, you are likely to enjoy Shopgirl (not to say that if you hated Lost in Translation you should not watch this film). The film is not perfect, but it is sometimes funny, frequently sad and always honest. If that sounds like something you are up for, then it may be worth a watch.
