Compensation Criterion Blu-ray Review
“Compensation” deserves more recognition.
Written by Marc Arthur Chéry and inspired by the poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar, “Compensation” is a 1999 B&W indie film set in Chicago during 2 different time periods (1910 and present day which was 1993 at the time of production). In 1910, the story focuses on a blossoming romance between a deaf dressmaker who was kicked out of the Kendall School of the Deaf due to segregation and a mandolin playing migrant (a hearing man named Arthur) who can’t read. In the present day, we see a relationship form between a deaf printer/graphic artist (Malaika) and a Children’s librarian (Nico- who is able to hear) who is learning sign language. Both romances face obstacles and the notion of whether or not a relationship between a hearing person and a deaf person can work is explored.
Every once in a while you can encounter a movie that goes under the radar and you can’t for the life of you figure out why it isn’t more well known. “Compensation” is one of those films. Directed by Zeinabu irene Davis, “Compensation” is an audacious, important, creative, and emotional African American film. Even 26 years later, the work by Davis here feels like a fresh cinematic voice in this story about societal change, African American history, deaf representation, and love through the ages. The idea that some things have changed and some haven’t is definitely a recurring theme here. One can argue that the film gets a bit too arty for its own good due to the reliance on film stills in the 1910 portion, but it at least does add to the historical authenticity (and paints a picture of a time and a place). There’s no denying that Davis certainly excels at showcasing a portrait of times and places within the narrative of “Compensation.”
Perhaps the most appealing aspect to film buffs here is that “Compensation” essentially combines two different types of films. With the 1910 section, you have a clear ode to silent films (although there is piano music, sound effects and dialogue). With the modern story, it feels very much like a 90’s indie film. One might think the clash of styles wouldn’t mesh well, but Davis makes it work tremendously well in the context of the story.
Cast wise, there are two stand out performances here by Michelle A. Banks and John Earl Jelks. Banks plays both Malindy and Malaika while Jelks plays Arthur and Nico. It could have been a gimmick, but the 2 actors do an incredible job playing two different sets of characters in two different time periods.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration gives the film a sharp new transfer. This is a restoration done right. Note: The film contains subtitles and captions.
Audio Track: Uncompressed Mono. How does it sound? The Mono track is nothing if not satisfactory.
Extras:
* A booklet featuring credits, an essay by author Racquel Gates, a note by Zeinabu irene Davis and Alexis Hithe, and a conversation between Zeinabu irene Davis and Alison O’Daniel about the captions.
* “Compensation” trailer.
* Commentary by Zeinabu irene Davis, writer Marc Arthur Chéry and DP Pierre H.L. Désir Jr.
* 2 short films by Zeinabu- 1986’s“Crocodile Conspiracy” and 2023’s “Pandemic Bread.”
* A 2020 16 minute interview with Zeinabu irene Davis who talks about her career, the L.A. Rebellion film movement, and filmmaking style.
* “Photographs And Symbols”- A short feature about the stills and symbols present in “Compensation” with commentary by Zeinabu irene Davis.
* 2024 cast and crew Q&As from the New York Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival. The NY one is hosted by Racquel Gates and features Zeinabu irene Davis, Marc Arthur Chéry, John Earl Jelks, and Michelle A. Banks while the Chicago screening features Zeinabu irene Davis and a host of others.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment