Bygbaby.com MindspillLast summer I read a movie review for “Medicine for Melancholy” on the Invisible Woman’s blog & got really excited to see this independent film dealing with an urban relationship. After I saw the trailer, I knew that I had to see this film. So since it was not widely released, I contacted the director of the film; Barry Jenkins.

Unfortunately, he at that time had no idea when the film would make its way to my area, because it was making the flim festival rounds. Bummer right!

Anyway, fast forward seven months later to February 2009: I was checking the film schedule for the Detroit Film Theatre & the 1st film that came up was “Medicine for Melancholy.” I got so excited that I did my bitch scream aloud at work, which was partially embarrassing.

So I hit Suite Suzy up to see if she could make arrangements for us to do a movie date. Five minutes later it was on for a Sunday afternoon jump off.

BTW, I love the Detroit Film Theatre. They always have obscure movies that I would never see if it were not for them. I have seen some AWESOME independent & foreign films there.

So on to the movie – The official description:

“Medicine for Melancholy is a love story of bikes and one-night stands told through two African-American twenty-somethings dealing with issues of class, identity, and the evolving conundrum of being a minority in rapidly gentrifying San Francisco-a city with the smallest proportional black population of any other major American city.”

The movie had me intrigued all the way through as it took some really interesting twists in terms of hoe baths, turning a jump off into a potential boo, interracial dating & relationship insecurities.

As the movie progressed, I found myself wanting Micah & Jo to leave it all behind & move on together but if it were real life, it would not be that easy as they both had some issues that needed to be resolved.

I think Barry Jenkins did an phenomenal job orchestrating this sexy, funny, simple but complex story making it seem very real & very human. If you fell out of love with Black love & or Black movies (don’t blame Tyler Perry, LOL), this film will give you a glimmer of hope.

After the film was over, Suite Suzy & I had an interesting conversation about Micah & Jo. We discussed what it means to be a good Black man & how a Black man could win the affection of a Black woman who has an easy life with a white boo when she acts like she wants something else. Very fascinating! Suite Suzy mentioned that she overheard a conversation in the ladies room between two Black ladies who basically said fuck Micah, stay with the white man & live good. This is slightly controversial for sure.

I know I cannot wait for this to come out on DVD, because I’m gonna be one of the 1st Negroes to cop it & then invite friends over for a viewing & discussion (I like doing that kind shit). According to the movie’s distributor, it will be available on DVD this spring.

So, YES, I’m in love with this refreshing movie!

Lastly, Invisible Woman did a great interview with Barry Jenkins late 2008; here’s a link. Go Invisible Woman!!! And thx for keeping me on my toes cinematically speaking!!!
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Other movies that I’ve seen recently & recommend that you get off your ass to go see are:

– Gran Torion – One of my friends was actually in this flick & I really enjoyed it! Filmed in Detroit, intense story line & the relationship transformations in this move are endearing & mind blowing. Talk about an ending!

– Curious Case of Benjamin Button – I just can’t say enough great things about this film. It’s like “Forrest Gump” meets “the Green Mile”. And yes, you are sure to see a magical Negro or two.

– Slumdog Millionaire – This movie really surpasses all of the hype about it. It is not a feel good movie, so please do not get it twisted. It is filled with tragic circumstances, abuse & ultimately love & triumph, an interesting combination for sure. I’m taking my momma to see it next weekend on a little date. On a related note, I feel bad that the kids who really made the movie are getting the short end of the money stick as they are back in India living in a slum as they portrayed in the movie. How fucked up is that???

– Taken – Loved this & Liam Neeson is now my best white friend in my head.