'Shopgirl' brings contemporary style to a familiar tale

Like an expensive vintage dress, "Shopgirl" evokes both another era and the latest style — although the frayed edges sometimes show. The movie has an old-Hollywood, Ernst Lubitsch-like touch of aching poignancy. Even the heroine's name, Mirabelle Butterfield, sounds like a character from that director's 1940 classic "The Shop Around the Corner." Yet the story, written by comedian-turned-author Steve Martin, tells the present-day tale of a lonely but hopeful young woman adrift in Los Angeles. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Mirabelle works the glove counter at a department store in Beverly Hills until a rich, handsome fiftysomething named Ray sweeps her off her feet. Soon she has to make a decision: Will she stay with Ray, hoping his feelings for her grow, or will she take a chance on a young, struggling musician?

FILM FACTS ...
Touchstone Pictures
'Shopgirl'

Director: Anand Tucker
Starring: Claire Danes, Jason Schwartzman, Steve Martin, Frances Conroy, Sam Bottoms
Run time: 104 minutes
Release date: Oct. 21, 2005
Rating: R for some sexual content and brief language.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
   Trailers require Quicktime

Rate 'Shopgirl'
  Go see it
  Make it a matinee
  Wait to rent
  Don't bother


Voter Limit: Once per Hour
View Poll Results
READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B
"Steve Martin, who adapted the screenplay from his novella, has turned his little jewel of a novel into a flawed but captivating gem."

Austin American-Statesman: 2 of 5 stars
"Shopgirl tries to sell itself as a one-of-a-kind item. In fact, it's damaged goods."

Cox News Service: B
"Danes' is perhaps the strongest performance in the movie. She brings emotion and sexuality to Mirabelle's character and really makes the story work."

The Palm Beach Post: B+
"There is no denying the naked honesty of Danes' performance. And though he is unlikely to make it a regular habit, Martin shows that he has the chops to become a fine dramatic actor."


Inside AJC.COM

Holiday shopping

Realtime shopping updates for gift bargains in Metro Atlanta. See a deal? Tell everyone!

Holiday Guide

Things to do in Atlanta with family and friends during the holidays.

Weekend Best Bets

International Cat Show, Chante Moore, Magical Night of Lights, chef cook-offs and more!

Obama Inauguration

Travelling to D.C. on Jan. 20? Here's everything you need to know for your planning.

My Style

Cecile Blanco says her clothing style is contemporary with a French twist.

Cheap Travel

No need to drop big bucks. Here are 25 offerings for cruise, hotel and fall travel packages.

Holiday Guide

Here are 10 gifts under $10, including edible candy cane cups.

Top 5 in Atlanta

Skip those drive-thrus. Here are five of best places in Atlanta for a juicy hamburger.

Christmas House

The 2008 edition, with its garlands and wreaths, benefits Alliance Children's Theater.

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name