ShopGirl

Adapted by Steve Martin from his own novella, Shopgirl tells the story of struggling artist Mirabelle Butterfield and her uncertain journey towards a soulmate. Alone in LA, Mirabelle (Claire Danes) is stuck behind a counter in a characterless department store. Through encounters with Jeremy (endearingly weird Jason Schwartzman) and Ray (Steve Martin's emotionally unavailable businessman), Mirabelle tentatively re-enters a world she has been detatched from by depression. A funny yet restrained script is complimented by calm direction and the performances are exceptional. This is a moving story about how hard it is for men and women to understand each other. With Shopgirl, Martin delivers a beautifully composed, bittersweet rarity - youth; viewed by experience and sadness; viewed by a comedian.