Watch Me and You and Everyone We Know
- R
- 2004
- 1 hr 30 min
-
7.2 (37,545)
Me and You and Everyone We Know is a whimsical and offbeat indie film that explores the lives of several characters living in suburban Los Angeles. The movie was released in 2005 and directed by Miranda July, who also plays the lead role of Christine Jesperson, a struggling artist trying to make a living by selling her work at a local museum. The plot revolves around the interconnected relationships of the characters, all of whom are dealing with various issues related to love, sex, and communication.
The film opens with a scene of an elderly man named Richard, played by John Hawkes, setting his hand on fire in a desperate attempt to connect with his estranged wife. Richard is a newly divorced shoe salesman who is trying to navigate the treacherous waters of online dating while also reconnecting with his two sons. Christine, meanwhile, is a video artist who is having trouble getting her work noticed, and is struggling to find a meaningful connection with another person.
The two main characters meet by chance when Christine gives Richard a ride home from the museum after he accidentally walks into a display case. From there, the film explores the unlikely connection that forms between them, as well as the other characters who populate their lives. These include Richard's teenage son Peter, who is struggling with his burgeoning sexuality; a young couple who communicate solely through text and symbols; and a young girl named Sylvie, who is trying to navigate the confusing and sometimes dangerous world of online chat rooms.
The film is a visual feast, filled with bright colors, quirky details, and surreal touches. The dialogue is clever and witty, with a touch of whimsy that perfectly complements the inventive visuals. While the film tackles some heavy themes, such as loneliness and isolation, its overall tone is one of hope and optimism.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film involves Christine trying to impress Richard by performing a desperate and absurd dance outside his window. The scene perfectly encapsulates the film's blend of humor and pathos, and highlights July's deft touch as a writer and director.
Another standout performance comes from Miles Thompson, who plays Peter, Richard's teenage son. Thompson brings a raw vulnerability to the role, capturing the confusion and insecurity of adolescence with heartbreaking authenticity. The scene where he tries to seduce a girl he meets online, only to be met with rejection and humiliation, is one of the film's most powerful moments.
Me and You and Everyone We Know is a film that is difficult to categorize. It defies easy classification, blending elements of comedy, drama, and surrealism into an unforgettable cinematic experience. At its heart, the film is a meditation on what it means to be human, and the ways in which we all struggle to connect with one another in a world that can be so isolating.
Overall, Me and You and Everyone We Know is a unique and wonderful film that deserves to be seen by anyone who loves independent cinema. It is a quirky and heartfelt exploration of the human condition, and a testament to the power of empathy and connection.
Me and You and Everyone We Know is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 76.