Claire Danes

I Love You, I Love You Not
$9.99
I saw this film on HBO. It was a waste of my time. The ending was weird and I didn't quite get why the girl was so nuts. I wish it would have focused more on what the Jewish people went through in WWII. Trust me, skip this movie!

Evening
$14.98
By the end of this movie, I was crying. Very emotional portrayal of a dying mother who has never gotten over her first love. The daughters also have their own dramas going on - with one coming to terms with an unexpected pregnancy. Kind of reminds me of Fried Green Tomatoes.

The only thing I didn't like about this movie was the "F" bomb that was dropped on us at the beginning. Quite unnecessary.

Shopgirl
$14.99
Shopgirl. Romance, comedy, drama. Starring: Claire Danes, Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman. Directed by: Anand Tucker. 104 minutes. English subtitles. M.

It's not often you get a realistic, yet heartfelt and philosophical look at modern day romance, in the cinematic world. In amongst the tacky and the predictable films available in the romance and comedy genre, Shopgirl is a refreshing breath of fresh air mixing together a fun and amusing storyline whilst also pointing out some of life's realities and truths about love, dating, emotions and how two people can interpret a conversation and situation they are both in, entirely opposite to one another.
Director Anand Tucker who is also known for participating in the creation of such movies as `Bridget Jone's Diary' and `Beyond The Sea' as well as writing and directing many of his own films has done a beautiful job of bringing Steve Martin's 2001 novel of the same title, to the big screen.

Away from the busy, bustling excitement of the crowds downstairs in the department store Sacks where she works, Mirabelle Buttersfield is introduced to us as a lonely and bored glove sales girl, who while waiting patiently day after day for customers who barely make it to her counter because her area is not a popular choice for sales, yearns for something or someone special and promising to fill her life and longs for a magical romance like the ones she sees around her.
Enter Jeremy, an awkward, sloppy yet well-meaning artist and `amp stamp' designer, who Mirabelle meets at a laundromat quite unexpectedly. The two embark on an uncomfortable, clumsy, yet semi-satisfying journey of dates and passion. Finally feeling wanted and needed, Mirabelle keeps coming back to him and cannot forget him even though she feels that he is not the right man for her.
All of Mirabelle's dreams finally come true when she is propositioned by a suave and charming businessman, Ray Porter, who is the complete opposite of Jeremy. He showers her with extravagant gifts and gives her the tender and seemingly uncomplicated love that Jeremy failed to provide her, and in return she gives him her most treasured possession; her heart. But looks and charms can be deceiving. Mirabelle must come to terms with the realization that those in her life may not have her best interests at heart and figure out who her loyalties really belong to.

The movie gives a deep and meaningful look at human growth and becoming a better person through the inspiration of others, and moments in life not being what they seem, but is also quite superficial in parts in regards to each character's worth as a person based on looks, status and wealth, which of course is only a truthful reflection of society's expectations and prejudices. However, there is the feeling throughout the film of the idea of the `perfect man' and changing who you are to fit this mould both physically and emotionally, being very important in order to gain the affections of someone you love in order not to be sidelined, rather than you and the ones around learning to love you for who you are.

The settings of the film are laidback and moody with soft lighting and gentle darkness falling around places like Mirabelle's apartment and the outside areas to give a presence of mystery, sensuality and romance. Every piece of scenery has its' own unique specialty to make it fit with the scene and mostly gives a feeling of tranquility and peace, with the mixture of both the layout and lulling instrumental music. Objects are used in creative ways for symbolism like windscreen wipers hitting the sides of the window loudly when Mirabelle herself is very angry and disappointed, perhaps both to show her emotions and to give the impression that even her windscreen wipers are not perfect just like her life isn't, and seem to be against her, trying to drive her crazy.
City lights are shown lit up all around from high above, every now and then to blend with the view that we are all connected with one another.
Slow motion is used to dramatize scenes of happiness, sadness and even to symbolize thought, such as when Mirabelle is driving in her car and listening to a radio show which is discussing the type of hormones brought out when a person is embraced by their lover, the cars and street lights ahead of her move slowly as if she is deep in thought and coming to a life-changing realization.
The music ranges from pretty, gentle taps of the xylophone and moody, melancholy strings from instruments such as the violin and piano, especially when Mirabelle and Ray are together, to give the sense of an uncertain but special new beginning, the music is upbeat and funky when both Jeremy and Ray ask Mirabelle out to give a feeling of excitement, breaking away from the mundane and getting what she's always wanted; some form of love.

Claire, Jason and Steve's acting abilities really shine in this film. Each actor really becomes their character, whether it's with the scared, tortured looks of sorrow and uncertainty from Mirabelle's eyes, the intense, charismatic gazes from Ray or the awkward, embarrassing body language and actions from Jeremy, each actor is convincing and make for an entertaining watch.

Shopgirl is a highly recommended film. Ranging from both dark and light, deep to humorous, it is a film that will strike and capture just about anyone's sensibilities.

It's All About Love
$29.98
Totally confused & stupid script with mediocre acting. Overall a bad movie; but I've seen worse, so I gave it 2 stars.