Film Analysis: Me And Earl And The Dying Girl

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a 2015 tragicomedy film based off of the novel by Jesse Andrews. Taking place in Pittsburgh, the film is narrated by Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann). Greg is a true oddball that lacks emotions and refuses to label anyone as a friend. Early on in the film, Greg is threatened by his parents whom have learned of Rachel Kushner’s (Olivia Cooke) recent diagnosis of leukemia. Greg was forced to devote his time to her as a friend in need of support. Eventually, Rachel was introduced to Earl (RJ Cyler). Greg referred to him as his “co-worker,” since they create parody films together. The time came for Rachel to begin treatment, which caused her condition to depress. Greg and Earl were then talked into creating a
“It seeks the unconventional over the normal because life doesn’t ever play fair or normal,” said Donald Shanahan from Every Movie has a Lesson. I genuinely agree with him because throughout the film Greg constantly says Rachel won’t die. However, you cannot trust him based off of his experience with marijuana. I believe the comedy aspect of the movie gives it a unique twist. In other words, you’re not just waiting for the girl with cancer to die. The tone of the film seems to transition from humorous to gloomy. Greg, who is insecure and unsure of his future, meets Rachel who evidently knows what her future looks like. Throughout the whole movie you’re wondering to yourself if Greg and Rachel will ever become something more. Aside from what you might think, they never will. The end of the film is significant because we finally learn that Greg is in fact in love with Rachel. The plot could not have gone any better for this film. I am impressed with Me and Earl and the Dying Girl as a
“Just survive,” Greg explained, on how he’s planning on getting through senior year. You could say Rachel and Earl sort of have the same views. However, Rachel becomes much more persistent on having Greg go to college because she may not have the opportunity. Greg and Earl seem to compliment each other also. They’re both awkward and interested in the same things. What I find distasteful about this movie is the American high school stereotype. The clique excerpts in the lunchroom were much too exaggerated, especially the goths. While it may have been funny, it was unnecessary to include. I did end up liking more features of this film than