An inspired moment in Shopgirl transpires as Ray Porter (Steve Martin), a much older, independently wealthy businessman, sits on much younger Mirabelle Buttersfield’s (Claire Danes) futon in her humble, one bedroom apartment before one of their first dates. She offers him a glass of of cheap, white, refrigerated wine. Ray takes the glass out of politeness, smirks a bit, and with a pained expression, fumbles over whether or not to drink it. Wordlessly, it’s clear he doesn’t want it, as it’s a beverage far below his usual, refined taste.

Upon seeing this, my alarm bells went off. This guy is a jerk. It’s a glass of free wine, offered by someone who can’t afford better. Either politely say “no thanks, I’m driving,” or suck it up and fake a smile. But it’s a revealing moment, and pretty much sums up the hands-off relationship Ray ensues with Mirabelle – and why their relationship is doomed from the start. He sees her as pitifully beneath him.

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