Showing the intertwining relationships around shoe salesman Richard (John Hawkes) and performance artist Christine (writer/director Miranda July), Me and You and Everyone We Know is a film that explores the nature of human interaction and relationships in an increasing complicated modern (2005) world.

Hawkes as Richard and Brandon Ratcliffe as his youngest son are both stand outs, but July and her team have corralled a great cast of unknowns that bring life to every role, unless you remember Hawkes in From Dusk Till Dawn (he never said help us).

It is interesting to see the spectrum of relationships across ages that don’t necessarily mean romance. While there is some uncomfortable cross generational relationships in chat rooms, no one has the right to feel comfortable watching a film and it would not be nearly as powerful or truthful had this been omitted.

In some ways this is the definition of an indie film in the popular imagination. With a main character who creates modern video art and poetic dialogue it is quirky as hell, but you can’t get rid of it. That is just July and that’s the way she does things, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t become irritating at times.

In other ways this is utterly inimitable. It’s optimism in the face of loneliness and melancholic madness is something hard to fake, and can only be attributed to July’s sincerity behind making this. This sincerity is assisted by the score by Michael Andrews, best known for his Tears for Fears Mad World cover for Donnie Darko, is absolutely riveting and maintains the hollow but heartfelt tone perfectly.

To go back to the dialogue, it is certainly poetic and flowery and is quite wonderful, but it detracts from the truth of the interactions at times. It’s hard to believe in these characters when they have the self-awareness to call burning their hand trying to save their life.

Something that adds to the appeal is the great sense of humour throughout. It punctuates what could have been a sombre film into something far more entertaining and honest.

If you can get past the super quirk, there is bold but gentle film to be found with a real heart and a unique point of view.

Bonus Features

An interesting 30 minutes interview with July about the film’s inception and production, a 20 minute Cast & Crew interviews featuring the usual vox pox about how great the film is, a 7 Minute behind the scenes giving a little insight into putting the thing together and a theatrical/other releases trailers

Available on DVD now

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