I Love You, Don't Touch Me

I Love You, Don't Touch Me! is a 1997 indie romantic comedy written and directed by Julie Davis that takes the audience into the intricacies and ironies of relationships and the modern quest for love. The movie features Marla Schaffel, Mitchell Whitfield, and Michael Harris in the main roles, and the interpersonal dynamics these three create on screen brilliantly define the heart of the film. Set mostly in Los Angeles and centered around the idea of finding "ideal" love, this film uses humor, drama, and a touch of the unconventional to explore themes of friendship, longing, and the challenging idea of purity in romance.

Marla Schaffel plays the character of Katie, a 25-year-old struggling singer based in Los Angeles who is in search of her ideal love — a love that must be pure, idealized, and not less than perfect. She champions this idea fiercely, almost to a fault, which introduces a refreshing twist on the traditional rom-com genre. Katie's perspective on love and relationships is often illustrated through her musings and daydreams which the film’s narrative frequently delves into, giving the audience an insightful peek into her amusing personality and somewhat single-minded quest for love.

Katie's love life orbits around three men in her life. The first is her best friend Ben, portrayed by Mitchell Whitfield, who secretly harbors feelings for her but fears ruining their long-standing friendship. Whitfield convincingly displays the struggle of being 'stuck' in the friend-zone, bringing a layer of genuineness to his character that audiences can relate to. As the plot unfolds, the relationship between Katie and Ben offers an insight into the complications of transforming a longtime friendship into something more intimate.

The story becomes more complex when the second man, Richard, finds his way into Katie's life. Michael Harris plays this charming, intellectual British poet who seems to be the embodiment of Katie's ideal love at first glance. However, Richard's seemingly perfect persona adds to the plot's complexity as Katie dives deeper into her passionate feelings for him.

Seasoned with a dose of 90's nostalgia, I Love You, Don't Touch Me! presents its audience with a mixed bag of emotions that dances around joy, discomfort, sorrow, and realization. The film does a superb job of touching on the fragility and the messiness of relationships and the process of self-discovery within them.

The film stands out not just because of its quirky title, but for its raw and insightful narrative. Julie Davis's script accentuates the predicaments, fears, and fantasies linked with the pursuit of love, and she uses these juxtapositions to craft a narrative arc that is filled with a mix of comedic and somber moments. There are scenes brimming with heartfelt renditions about lost love and disillusionment, trimmed with suitably placed humor that makes for a truly engaging and enjoyable watch.

Davis also uses her characters' musical inclinations to tell Katie's story. As a struggling singer, Katie and her aspirations are often best expressed through her music. The film incorporates a poignant and aptly chosen soundtrack that mirrors the swirling emotions the characters experience throughout the film.

Ultimately, I Love You, Don't Touch Me! is a witty, vibrant exploration of a young woman's convoluted search for love that refuses to settle for less than perfect. It's a unique film that offers more than just a standard romantic storyline, introducing characters who grapple with their vulnerabilities and deepest desires. Coupled with splendid performances from the lead actors, it promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions, proving itself to be engaging and charmingly melancholic, wrapped in the sheen of 90's nostalgia.

It's a refreshing change from the typical Hollywood love stories, with its introspective look into a woman's quest for love and the challenges she faces in its pursuit. A hidden gem from the 90's indie scene, I Love You, Don't Touch Me! is a movie for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies that are both authentic and introspective. It is one that leaves the community of rom-com fans with something genuine and relatable, going beyond the boundaries of stereotypical stories while leaving viewers with a fresh perspective on love.