Me And You And Everyone We Know


Synopsis
A divorced shoe salesman meets an eccentric visual artist; neighborhood teenage girls experiment with their emerging sexuality, and much, much more in this debut effort by Miranda July. (R, 2005)


Observations
This is one of my top 5 favorite movies of 2005. I’ve watched it for a second time and was just as enamored as I was the first. Miranda July is amazing as both director and lead actress. Her background as a visual artist brings a unique style to this film. Christine Jerperson (Miranda July) is a visual artist in the movie and the vignettes showcasing her work are unique and heart-warming. Christine is fascinated with Richard Swersey (John Hawkes). His life is one full of loose ends and failed attempts -- but also with genuine affection.

There are a few scenes that are a little weird with his two sons (one adolescent and one grade-schooler). Taken out of context they could have been obscene, but with the careful mastery of the director they make sense and are necessary to the film. I also liked how July let the two neighborhood teenage girls try out their sexuality on their own terms. These teenage girls manipulate instead of being manipulated. Well done!

This film filled my heart with hope for all the quirky, nerdy, neurotic lonely out there. What do we see in each other? What do others see in us? Do any of us really see each other? These eternal questions play out against a backdrop of everyday suburbia.

Rating:
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