- Film Review
- Reviewed By Sloan Freer
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3 out of 5
Steve Martin delivers one of his finest performances in years in this bittersweet comedy drama. Adapted by Martin from his novella, it's a wry, achingly poignant tale of love, longing and impossible dreams. A radiant Claire Danes plays Mirabelle, the Beverly Hills department store assistant, who is swept off her feet by Martin's wealthy entrepreneur, Ray. This attentive sophisticate is the apparent opposite of her other on/off suitor, slacker oddball Jeremy (a hilarious Jason Schwartzman), and gives her all she could dream of - except, heartbreakingly, the one thing she really needs. With its delicately balanced mix of melancholy and wit, there's something of a Lost in Translation feel about this languid and handsomely shot feature. Danes is particularly natural, while Martin's deceptive gentleness is reminiscent of Bill Murray in Sofia Coppola's picture. Yet despite its emotional astuteness, the storyline remains flimsy, with a far too convenient and predictable conclusion.
Plot Summary
Comedy drama starring Claire Danes, Steve Martin and Jason Schwartzman. Mirabelle Buttersfield works behind the glove counter in a swanky Beverly Hills department store, but dreams of being an artist. Struggling to pay off her student loan and unimpressed by the attentions of slacker oddball Jeremy, she feels that life is passing her by. Then she meets the charming, wealthy and much older Ray Porter, who gives her a new outlook and teaches her valuable lessons about life and love.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Mirabelle Buttersfield
- Claire Danes
- Ray Porter
- Steve Martin
- Jeremy
- Jason Schwartzman
- Lisa Cramer
- Bridgette Wilson
- Dan Buttersfield
- Sam Bottoms
- Catherine Buttersfield
- Frances Conroy
- Christie Richards
- Rebecca Pidgeon
- Loki
- Samantha Shelton
- Del Rey
- Gina Doctor
- Mr Agasa
- Clyde Kusatsu
Crew
- Director
- Anand Tucker
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