So, about five years after reading Steve Martin's Shopgirl, I got around to
the film version.
I really enjoyed the novella--what's not to love about Martin, anyhow? But, I was scared, especially when I read several negative reviews, that the film would disappoint me. My verdict: yes, the novella is better, but the film does capture the overall sense of the literary piece. I think the novella wins because of its density--the source being the narrator's voice, which only seldom surfaces in the film. (Oh yeah, one of the criticisms was that Martin's narrative voice compromised his character's portrayal. I disagree; in fact more of those interjections--in a play, perhaps--would be advantageous).
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You can’t change that system by just getting your own rights, tinkering with the engine and leaving. You have to take on the whole machine.
--Riki Anne Wilchins
Hold on to the lessons, let go of the pain.
--Leslie Feinberg