Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

About Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

"Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" is a 2015 American comedy-drama film directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and written by Jesse Andrews, based on Andrews' 2012 debut novel of the same name. The movie is a poignant exploration of friendship, growing up, and life's unexpected turns. It follows the story of Greg, an awkward high school senior whose mom forces him to spend time with Rachel - a girl in his class who has just been diagnosed with cancer. They soon become friends and together with Earl, Greg's longtime co-worker, they make movies parodying classic films.

Making / Production

The film was made with an indie spirit and a less glamorous, more ground-level view of Pittsburgh than most movies offer. The movie really brings out the typical high school life with a swirl of clashing typographies, maps, animations, and cozy cluttered spaces.

Actors

• Thomas Mann plays the role of Greg Gaines, he delivers a sensitive, layered performance of an average high schooler.
• Olivia Cooke brilliantly embodies Rachel, the titular 'Dying Girl,' she brings a certain depth to her character which is deeply moving.
• RJ Cyler as Earl gives a performance that is funny, unique and utterly real, showcasing Earl's dry humour and sincerity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Most of the film was shot in Pittsburgh where the novelist, Jesse Andrews, grew up and the story takes place.
• In the movie, Greg and Earl have created 42 short films, while in the original novel, they had created only 27 films.

Awards

"Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" received the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award for U.S. Drama at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• “We make films. We've been making them since we were little.” - Greg
• "It was the best of times. Worst of times. It was life." - Rachel

Music, Soundtrack

• "Golden Prairie" by Roy Buchanan
• "The Big Ship" by Brian Eno
• "Remember me as a Time of Day" by Explosions in the Sky