I know I’ve said it before, but it never ceases to amaze me at how much music adds to film. Tonight I watched Shopgirl and the movie was well done with a fun story but its the music that just gave it depth. It’s Incredible! The film is scored by Barrington Pheloung with the assistance of the London Metropolitan Orchestra. What results is the ability to take LA and craft it into a moody beautiful city. The only movie I can remember that’s similar is Jon Favreau’s Swingers. Although the city is a totally different character the echo of hipster cool in Favreau’s LA provides a great backdrop for the story.
Having been a fan of Steve Martin’s writing since he released his first film based on his writing, A Simple Twist Of Fate, he strikes gold here again. Sure he’s a comedic genius, well known for his physical comedy but it’s his heart in writing that draws me in. The side that inspires, the side that shows depth, the side that inspires. the film was a good story but it’s ability to capture snapshots of lives all intersecting for a time that wins me.

The nice surprise was seeing Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon) in the film. It seems as though neither he or his music will be kept from movies that have great stories to tell. (Elizabethtown, Almost Famous) Definitely a good watch for the evening.

“Only then does he realize how wanting part of her and not all of her had hurt them both and how he can not justify his actions except that, well, it was life.”