DVD Corner

Medicine For Melancholy Criterion Blu-ray Review

“Medicine For Melancholy” is a Barry Jenkins movie you might not know about. 

Written and directed by Barry Jenkins (the filmmaker behind the Oscar winning “Moonlight”), 2008’s indie film “Medicine For Melancholy” begins with Micah and Jo waking up in bed together after they hooked up at a party. Hungover, the two were set to go their own separate ways, but when Jo leaves her wallet behind, Micah tracks her down to give it back. From there on out, the two wind up spending the day together by getting to know one another, going to a museum, walking around San Francisco, going on a merry-go-round, dancing, and even engaging in serious discussions. 

“Medicine For Melancholy” simultaneously marked the directorial debut of Barry Jenkins and ushered in an exciting new voice in the world of cinema. Although perhaps a bit too slight and lacking the nuance of Jenkins’ later works, ‘Medicine’ is a romantic film with “Before Sunrise”vibes although there’s more going on here outside of two individuals getting to know one another. Through Micah and Jo’s time together, the themes of gentrification, identity, and race are explored. There’s not much in the way of story here, but it doesn’t matter as the free-flowing experience of these two characters connecting is what really matters. As small as the story may be, Jenkins really captures the fleeting moments of life, the ever changing landscape that surrounds us, and the connections we make (no matter how brief).

What makes the film work as well as it does is the two leads- Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins. Actor and comedian Wyatt Cenac really steals the show here and gives an often charming and soulful performance. He should be a bigger actor truth be told. Heggins doesn’t have a ton of credits, but her performance here feels very down-to-earth and honest. She plays well off of Cenac too.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The Blu-ray offers up a new hi-def digital master. The  shot on desaturated video cinematography by James Laxton provides an unusual color tone (although there are scenes where the color changes) and this new transfer is probably the best the film has looked to date.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The audio is unlikely to wow anyone, but it’s a nice clean track nonetheless. 

Extras:
* “Medicine For Melancholy” trailer
* A booklet featuring credits and an essay by Danielle Amir Jackson
* A 2008 commentary by Barry Jenkins, editor Nat Sanders and producers Justin Barber and Cherie Saulter.
* A nearly 3 minute blooper reel.
* A 13 minute camera test.
* “Be More Bandry”- Star Wyatt Cenac and editor Nat Sanders talk about making “Medicine For Melancholy” and working with Barry Jenkins in this 19 minute extra feature.
* An insightful new 2023 commentary by Barry Jenkins. 

June 18, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Barry Jenkins, Indie Film, Medicine For Melancholy Criterion Blu-ray Review, Wyatt Cenec