Review of Medicine for Melancholy (2009) by Liam O — 20 Nov 2016

After an awkward one-night-stand neither of them can remember, Micah and Joanne get breakfast. Joanne, an introverted upper class black woman who shares an apartment rent free with her white boyfriend who is out of town, shows little interest for Micah and takes every chance she can to repel him.

Micah, an extroverted middle/lower class black man finds himself searching for Joanne throughout San Francisco after she forgets her wallet on the cab ride home. Throughout the movie Micah and Joanne gradually become fonder of each other while at the same time challenging each other's way of viewing themselves as a minority in San Francisco.

They view themselves as opposites in some ways, Micah feeling suppressed as a minority while Joanne feels as if society cannot define her. The polarities in perspectives of two minorities, use of bright lighting, and monochromatic picture makes for a personal, and thought provoking love story done in the most simplistic way.

Not to mention Micah and Joanne are basically the only characters in the movie which makes for an intimate experience for the viewer.