Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)

            This is a first serious attempt by Miranda July (AKA Miranda Grossinger) at writing, directing and acting a lead role in a debut independent film project.  It's a tad narcissistic, deals with some goofy characters and crosses over a few sexual boundaries of propriety involving children, which gained it an "R" rating. 

            Miranda plays Christine, an elder's cab driver, lonely young woman, and wannabe artist.  Richard plays a recently separated shoe salesman and father of two boys, Peter (a teen) and Robby (very young).  The overriding theme could be called a love story, albeit a strange one.  The other storyline threads seem to wander into loneliness, sexual coming of age, and digital communication all associated with some kind of aberrant behavior.  These are presented in a disjointed fashion although the dots eventually get connected. 

            The film feels like an experiment.  Everything is shot in normal homes, rooms and street scenes, i.e. there are no special sets.  That's because it's basically a people story.  The camera work is good and so is the acting, but the background music gives it away as an amateur production. 

            One aspect I found particular fascinating was her use of visual metaphors woven into the screenplay.  The demise of a goldfish, a burned hand, and a walk down a street are all events that can be related to emotional events in the story.  Miranda's background as a short story writer probably contributed to their inclusion.

            Reviewed November 11, 2005                      Copyright 2005 Charles T. Markee

            MPAA: Rated R for disturbing sexual content involving children, and for language.