Mirabelle knows, and she lets this be unspoken, that all free things require conversation. Sitting in a darkened movie theatre requires absolutely no conversation at all, whereas a free date, like a walk down Hollywood Boulevard in the busy evening, requires comments, chatter, observations, and with luck, wit. She worries that since they have only exchanged perhaps two dozen words between them, these free dates will be horrible.
In Steve Martin's "Shopgirl," the character Mirabelle reflects on the nature of conversation in the context of free activities. She recognizes that sitting quietly in a movie theater doesn’t demand any interaction, but a free outing, such as a walk on Hollywood Boulevard, relies heavily on dialogue and shared experiences. This contrast highlights the social expectations that accompany outings, particularly those that don't have a monetary cost.
Mirabelle harbors concerns about her relationship, especially given the limited communication between her and her companion. With only a few exchanges of words, she fears that their future outings will be unenjoyable. This anxiety underscores the importance of conversation in developing connections and suggests that meaningful interaction is crucial to enhancing otherwise free experiences.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
