The love that dare not speak its name - at least, not without a snigger. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde might serve to suggest a modern name for a sexual affair between a young woman and a much older man. such relationships are generally accepted in today's society but they're rarely met with approval or true understanding. Such a relationship is the focus of Steve Martin's latest film, based on his recent novella, "Shopgirl."

Martin, who scripts and stars here, shares the screen with two of the most phenomenal young actors of our time, Claire Danes and Jason Schwartzman. Unafraid to break narrative structure conventions and willing to tell the story here in a slowly-paced, patient manner, Martin begins by introducing us to the younger couple as they have a edgy but standard Hollywood "meet cute" at a laundry-mat. Their relationship is given a full reel to expand and contract before Martin's character, Ray Porter, even enters the film. (Albeit, Martin does do some minor narration here which only seems to serve the selling of the novella on tape).

The rest of the film oscillates between Martin's seduction of Danes and their ensuing relationship and Schwartzman's time on the road with a rock band, where he begins to obtain some spiritual enlightenment. The former storyline is interesting and complex with the only problem being the author insisting on playing the character he created. Martin is a great actor and is versatile enough to handle serious as well as comedic roles. But he brings to much baggage to this film (since we presume it is somewhat autobiographical and we are expecting a sort-of "L.A. Story" type of film). Martin's Porter is not the sort of man who is looking to have a romantic entanglement. While he is enamoured with his young ingenue, he is not the type of older man who worships his younger lover. He lavishes her with gifts but is emotionally unavailable. To accept Martin in this role requires us to cast his celebrity persona out the window and that is nearly impossible. Still, he does not fail here. He only requires much acceptance from his audience.

Schwartzman, meanwhile, has an interesting and meaty role but, unlike Martin, it simply does not require him to step out of the narrow little niche Hollywood has set up for him as the 20-something, quirky alt_rock guy. This character is basically the same one he has played in every movie since "Rushmore" and seems dangerously close to the one he provided in last year's "I Heart Huckabees."

Danes, meanwhile, is perfectly cast and has her best role in eons. I think you'd have to go back to "Romeo + Juliet" to find a mainstream role as well suited to her and in which she provides such a wonderful and striking character. Danes is not only beautiful to look at in every frame of the film, she provides a character that we care desperately about and want to see happy.

Director Anand Tucker, who hadn't made a film in the six years leading up to lensing this, does an amazing job of combining all the elements of cinema perfectly. the score by Barrington Pheloung is simply perfect and evokes the sense of longing and quiet desperation that permeates the film from the very first frame. And what a beautiful frame it is... as is every subsequent frame after it. The cinematography by Peter Suschitzky, who has shot everything from "Rocky Horror" to many David Cronenberg films, is simply wonderful. This film is gorgeous.

"Shopgirl" will be difficult viewing for many. The pace is slow and the film seems sometimes detached from its characters. Many will find it hard to accept a love affair between Danes and Martin no matter how awesome their acting might be. But for those with an artistic eye, an open heart, and a love of great films, there is a little gem to be discovered here.

Notes:

Also with Sam Bottoms, Francis Conroy, Rebecca Pidgeon, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras and the band the Volebeats.

Jimmy Fallon was cast in the Schwartzman role first but dropped out before filming began.

Viewed at an advanced screening during the Austin Film Festival at the Paramount Theater in October 2005, one day before it began a predominantly arthouse run in the U.S.

Report Card

Script: B+

Acting: A-

Cinematography\Lighting: A+

Special Effects\Make Up: A+

Music: A+

Final Grade: A-