All the Real Girls is a 2003 romantic drama film starring Zooey Deschanel, Paul Schneider, Patricia Clarkson, Shea Whigham, and Danny McBride (in his film debut). It was David Gordon Green's second directorial effort. Set in a small town in North Carolina, the film is about a romance that blossoms between a young womanizer, Paul (Schneider), and Noel (Deschanel), the younger sister of Paul's best friend Tip (Whigham). Because of Paul's reputation around town as someone who has bedded a lot of women, Noel is warned by her brother not to get involved. The plot follows how their relationship unfolds and its effect on friends and family.
This film provides examples of:
- Anachronic Order: The film begins In Medias Res with Paul and Noel already in a relationship and initially does not specify how long they have been together. The progression of their relationship does not stick to a linear timeline.
- Anguished Outburst: Played for laughs when an angry Tip yells at Paul.Tip: No, we ain't friends no more! You ain't even in my top 10!
- Bitch Slap: Elvira, Paul's mother, slaps Paul when she becomes fed up with his immaturity.
- Boarding School: Noel was away at one for several years. Moving back home after graduation gives her and Paul an opportunity to get to know each other better.
- The Cameo: Homestar Runner co-creator Matt Chapman appears as a background extra. The site's other co-creator, Mike, was a graphic designer on the film. (Both worked with Green on his directorial debut, George Washington.)
- Commitment Issues: Paul.
- Everyone Went to School Together: David Gordon Green befriended Danny McBride and Paul Schneider in college. Green and McBride would go on to collaborate on various projects.
- Goofy Suit: Elvira works as a clown who cheers up sick kids in hospitals. Paul is forced to take part sometimes and has to don the full costume and do a silly dance.
- Heterosexual Life-Partners: Paul and Tip.
- Improv: Director David Gordon Green encouraged the actors to improvise dialogue.
- Love Hurts: At the end, Paul, who has broken many hearts, gets his heart broken from the first real relationship he ever had.
- The Oner: There is a shot in a bowling alley of Noel and Paul hugging each other before Noel departs for a weekend getaway at her girlfriend’s vacation cabin. The camera stays on them as Paul talks about he's going to be lonely, then asks Noel to turn around so he can do a Happy Dance out of joy of knowing her.
- Opposites Attract: Virginal, just-out-of-boarding school Noel and aimless lothario Paul.
- Plucky Comic Relief: Bust-Ass, Paul and Tip's friend, played by Danny McBride.
- Really Gets Around: Paul is known as someone who will sleep with any willing woman, which is why his best friend Tip doesn't want Noel to get involved with Paul and potentially get a broken heart.
- Secret Relationship: Paul and Noel's romance is kept under wraps in the beginning so as not to raise the ire of Noel’s older brother Tip.
- The Slacker: Paul lives at home with his mother.
- Slice of Life: The film contains many scenes of small-town everyday life.
- Small Town Boredom: There isn't much to do in the North Carolina mill town the characters live in. Paul's ex-girlfriend tells him he'll be one of those types to never leave.
- Smash Cut: At the end, Paul is talking to someone, and it’s clear he’s losing his patience.Paul: I mean, I brought you all the way out here. It's not like I'm the one who needs swimming lessons. And the fact that you're not even trying, well that baffles me. Really. I mean, what are you afraid of? There's no sharks in here. Suppose a water dog comes walking down the tracks and sees you.[At the end of his spiel, the film cuts to show Paul is speaking to a dog]
