Dear Movies, I Love You: Episode Summary

Episode: Barry Jenkins & Medicine for Melancholy (2008)
Hosts: Millie De Chirico and Casey O'Brien
Release Date: May 6, 2025

1. Introduction

Millie De Chirico and Casey O'Brien kick off the episode by sharing personal updates before delving into their main discussion about Barry Jenkins' debut film, Medicine for Melancholy. They set the stage for an engaging conversation that intertwines personal narratives with in-depth film analysis.

2. Personal News and Celebrations

• Millie’s Graduation:
  • Timestamp: [01:34]
    Millie shares the exciting news of finally graduating from her master's program after an 11-year journey, highlighting the challenges and perseverance it took to complete her degree.

  Millie De Chirico: "I just, like, bit down and bit down. Finish it hard. I feel accomplished."

3. Deep Dive into Medicine for Melancholy

• Film Overview:

  • Timestamp: [27:03]
    Casey provides a synopsis of Medicine for Melancholy, describing it as a mumblecore film set in San Francisco that explores the complex relationship between Micah (Wyatt Cenac) and Joe (Tracy Higgins) after a one-night stand. The film navigates themes of romance, racial politics, and the changing indie scene in 2008 San Francisco.

• Indie Culture and Racial Politics:

  • Timestamp: [36:42]
    Millie discusses how the film interrogates the dominance of white culture within the indie scene, questioning why black individuals often find themselves interacting predominantly with white people in these spaces.

  Millie De Chirico: "How come being indie, quote unquote, being a hipster, quote unquote, means that we have to, like white things, right?"

• French New Wave Influences:

  • Timestamp: [39:36]
    The hosts draw parallels between Medicine for Melancholy and French New Wave cinema, noting similarities in character development and narrative style. Millie likens the cadence and character ambiguity in the film to classics like Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless.

  Millie De Chirico: "The cadence of the film feels very French New Wave."

• Barry Jenkins as an Underrated Director:

  • Timestamp: [50:45]
    Both hosts commend Barry Jenkins for his poetic and evocative filmmaking style, comparing him to Wong Kar Wai and expressing a desire for more frequent releases from him.

  Casey O'Brien: "I think Barry Jenkins is a true poet with his films."

• Impact and Reception:

  • Timestamp: [43:35]
    They reflect on the film's underrated status and its relevance in contemporary discussions about race and culture within the indie film landscape.

  Millie De Chirico: "I just, I feel like it's a lot better than I initially thought it was."

4. Film Diary

• Millie’s Goodbye the Many Lives of Q Lazarus:

  • Timestamp: [11:54]
    Millie recounts attending a Q&A with the director Eva Fuentes for the documentary Goodbye the Many Lives of Q Lazarus. She delves into the film's exploration of Q Lazarus’ elusive music career and personal struggles, highlighting themes of unrecognized artistry and the challenges faced by black women in rock and roll.

  Millie De Chirico: "It's about someone making art, but having no distribution. No rights, no distribution deals, no copyright."

• Casey’s Viewing of Black Narcissus:

  • Timestamp: [17:26]
    Casey shares his admiration for the 1947 film Black Narcissus, emphasizing its haunting atmosphere and powerful performances, particularly highlighting Kathleen Byron's portrayal of Sister Ruth.

  Casey O'Brien: "It's a cinematic experience."

• Additional Films Discussed:

  • Millie praises If Beale Street Could Talk, expressing her emotional response to its tender portrayal of black love and Regina King’s outstanding performance.
  • Casey recommends Chan is Missing (1982) by Wayne Wang, praising its insightful depiction of the changing dynamics in San Francisco’s Chinese community.

5. Film Advice Segment

• Listener Question:

  • Timestamp: [60:43]
    Question: If you were stuck in a movie world for a week, which movie world would you want to be stuck in and why?

  Millie’s Response:
  Millie expresses a desire to experience various movie worlds, from the whimsical settings of Amélie to the gritty environments of The Terminator and the charm of Steel Magnolias. She emphasizes her fascination with the ambiance, costumes, and unique atmospheres of different films.

  Millie De Chirico: "The vibe, the world, the plate, the time and place, the costumes, everything."

  Casey’s Response:
  Casey shares his wish to visit iconic movie locations like Eve’s Lounge from Choose Me and the Exotica Club from Exotica. He highlights his interest in thematic settings and the immersive environments that these films create.

  Casey O'Brien: "I want to hang out there. I want to be a regular."

• Other Listener Gripe:
  A listener complains about couples making out in front rows during movies, specifically citing an experience during The Dark Crystal. Millie and Casey humorously debate the appropriateness of public displays of affection in theaters, referencing scenes from Demons by Dario Argento.

6. Employees' Picks

• Millie’s Recommendation:

  • Title: If Beale Street Could Talk
    Millie recommends this film for its emotional depth, stunning performances, and portrayal of black love. She praises Regina King and Brian Tyree Henry for their standout roles.

  Millie De Chirico: "It's so tender and beautiful."

• Casey’s Recommendation:

  • Title: Chan is Missing (1982)
    Casey advocates for this low-budget film by Wayne Wang, lauding its exploration of San Francisco’s Asian community and its blend of humor and insightful social commentary.

  Casey O'Brien: "It's a funny film and it's just great."

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Millie and Casey wrap up the episode by teasing their next topic: the portrayal of smoking in movies. They express enthusiasm for exploring this subject and encourage listeners to engage with their content through social media and voicemails.

Millie De Chirico: "I can't wait to talk about this topic because we have a fascination with cigarette smoking in the movies."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Millie on Her Graduation:
  [01:56] Millie De Chirico: "I just, like, bit down and bit down. Finish it hard. I feel accomplished."

• Casey on Medicine for Melancholy Synopsis:
  [27:03] Casey O'Brien: "Micah and Joe wake up together in a stranger's bed... filled with conversations about the changing face of San Francisco."

• Millie on Racial Implications in Indie Culture:
  [36:42] Millie De Chirico: "How come being indie, quote unquote, being a hipster, quote unquote, means that we have to, like white things, right?"

• Casey on Barry Jenkins’ Filmmaking:
  [50:45] Casey O'Brien: "I think Barry Jenkins is a true poet with his films."

• Millie on Goodbye the Many Lives of Q Lazarus:
  [11:54] Millie De Chirico: "It's about someone making art, but having no distribution. No rights, no distribution deals, no copyright."

• Millie on If Beale Street Could Talk:
  [71:39] Millie De Chirico: "It's so tender and beautiful."

This episode offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, thoughtful film analysis, and candid discussions about the intersection of race and indie culture in cinema. Millie and Casey provide listeners with both intellectual and emotional insights, making it a compelling listen for film enthusiasts.