Earl, Dying Girl, And Me: Beer, Sunglasses, And Friendship

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a 2015 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Jesse Andrews. The film centres on Greg, a socially awkward teenager who spends his time making parodies of classic movies with his friend Earl. Greg's life changes when he befriends a classmate, Rachel, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Despite an awkward start to their friendship, Greg and Earl decide to make a movie for Rachel, a tribute, and they rush to finish it before she dies. The film explores themes of friendship, loss, and survival, and received positive reviews for its script and cast.

Greg and Earl's friendship

Their friendship is tested when Greg is forced by his parents to befriend Rachel, a classmate who has been diagnosed with cancer. Greg breaks his own rule of not getting too attached to anyone and forms a connection with Rachel, which causes tension in his relationship with Earl. Greg and Earl's collaboration on a film for Rachel highlights their creative partnership and the depth of their friendship. However, when Rachel decides to discontinue her cancer treatment, Greg and Earl's friendship is strained to the point of dissolution. They get into a physical altercation, with Earl punching Greg and ending their friendship.

Despite their rift, Greg and Earl's friendship is resilient. After learning that Rachel is dying, Greg decides to visit her in the hospital instead of going to the prom with Madison. Earl rekindles their friendship, demonstrating his loyalty and empathy. Greg and Earl's shared experience of making movies, navigating high school, and dealing with the challenges of their relationship with Rachel brings them closer together and helps them grow as individuals.

The dynamic between Greg and Earl adds depth to the film, showcasing the complexities of teenage friendships and the impact of shared interests, conflict, and reconciliation. Their friendship provides a source of humour, emotion, and authenticity to the story, contributing to its overall charm and impact.

Greg and Rachel's friendship

Greg introduces Rachel to his "co-worker" Earl, with whom he makes short films parodying famous film titles. Despite Greg's reluctance, Earl shares their collection with her, which she finds entertaining. As Rachel begins her chemotherapy treatment and loses her hair, Greg begins spending less time on schoolwork and more time caring for her, trying to lift her spirits. Their friendship deepens as they hang out and talk—Greg talks, and Rachel listens. He also shows her the movies he made with Earl.

However, their friendship is tested when Rachel decides to discontinue her treatment, as she believes it is doing more harm than good. Greg and Rachel have a heated argument, where Greg accuses her of giving up on herself, and Rachel points out his selfishness and inability to care for anyone but himself. Devastated that he can no longer help her, Greg ends up confronting Earl, blaming him for the end of his friendship with Rachel. Earl admonishes Greg for his lack of sympathy and ultimately punches him.

Despite this rift, Greg and Rachel's friendship endures. Greg continues to care for her, even after their argument. He makes a film dedicated to her and brings it to the hospital for her to watch. Rachel is moved to tears by the film but falls into a coma shortly after and dies. Greg and Earl eventually rekindle their friendship, and Greg finds solace in Rachel's mother, who comforts him during his grief.

Greg's relationship with his parents

Greg's parents seem to have good intentions, but their methods are questionable. They intrude on his privacy, with his father, Victor Gaines, even threatening to go through his things if he continues to search his room. Greg's mother also uses emotional manipulation to get him to do what she wants, such as guilt-tripping him into visiting Rachel. This dynamic suggests a lack of trust and understanding between Greg and his parents.

Despite their differences, Greg's parents do provide some support and guidance. His mother encourages him to visit Rachel when she is dying in the hospital, and his father, though eccentric, is described as a "spacey sociology professor". They also allow Greg to pursue his passion for filmmaking, with his mother even using his films to comfort him after Rachel's death.

Overall, Greg's relationship with his parents is complex and multifaceted. While they may have good intentions, their methods often fall short, leading to a strained and awkward dynamic. However, they also provide some support and guidance, especially in helping Greg explore his creativity and navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Earl's home life

Earl's home environment is in stark contrast to that of his friend Greg, who lives in a family home that is used as a filming location in the movie. Earl's house, on the other hand, is only described in relation to Greg's, with no further details provided about his family or home life.

Earl's language is described as "profanity-laced", and he frequently asks Greg about Rachel's "titties". It is noted that his language seems to come from nowhere and is not motivated by anything in particular, which is seen as a failure of imagination in the character development.

Earl is also shown to be loyal to Greg and has more common sense than his friend, especially when it comes to understanding what is at stake for Rachel. Despite their differences, the two boys rekindle their friendship after Rachel's death.

Greg's college application

Dear Admissions Committee,

My name is Greg Gaines, and I am a senior at Schenley High School in Pittsburgh. I am writing to you today to apply for admission to your college. I believe that my unique experiences and perspective on life make me an ideal candidate for your school.

Throughout my high school career, I have been passionate about filmmaking. Along with my friend Earl, I have created numerous short films that parody famous movie titles. For example, we created "The 400 Bros" based on the classic film "The 400 Blows." These films have not only allowed me to express my creativity but also to develop my technical skills in cinematography and editing.

However, my most meaningful filmmaking experience was when Earl and I decided to make a movie for my classmate, Rachel Kushner, who was diagnosed with leukemia. Despite my initial reluctance to form close connections with others, I found myself deeply impacted by Rachel's strength and resilience in the face of her illness. I wanted to create something that would bring her joy and lift her spirits during her chemotherapy treatment.

The process of making this film taught me invaluable lessons about friendship, compassion, and the power of art to bring comfort during difficult times. It also made me realize that I wanted to pursue filmmaking as more than just a hobby. I want to continue honing my craft and using it as a means to connect with and impact others.

Unfortunately, my dedication to this project came at a cost to my academic performance. I began to neglect my schoolwork and eventually stopped attending school altogether in order to finish the film for Rachel. As a result, my grades suffered, and my admission to another college was rescinded. I take full responsibility for my actions and am committed to working hard to improve my academic standing.

Despite the challenges I have faced, I believe that the personal growth and self-discovery that resulted from this experience have prepared me for the rigors of college life. I have learned the importance of balancing my passions with my responsibilities and developed a stronger work ethic. I am eager to continue my education and further develop my filmmaking skills at your esteemed institution.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your campus community and continue my journey as a filmmaker.

Sincerely,

Greg Gaines

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