This experimental late 60's effort is a great time-capsule movie. It captures feelings of unease and paranoia that are synonymous with the time. This was at a time where events such as Altamont and the Manson murders helped kill the hippy dream. Medium Cool depicts a cynicism that is very much in line with times.
Set in Chicago during the '68 Democrat National Convention, the film follows a dispassionate news cameraman and his relationship with a country woman and her son. The story is slight. And the message is not entirely clear. But, apart from the time-capsule factor, what makes this movie worthwhile is the way in which it has been captured on film. The cinematography excellent in places. The opening credit sequence where the camera follows a dispatch bike rider through the streets of Chicago to the psychedelic main theme tune by Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention is particularly well done. Similarly, the later shots of Verna Bloom walking through the anti-Vietnam riots clad in a little yellow summer dress is incredibly striking. Director Haskell Wexler was primarily a cinematographer so it is unsurprising that the look of the film is so important. On top of this, the idea of filming the actors in the settings of actual events, such as the riots and the Convention, gives the film a timeless quality and uniqueness that serves it well.
On the negative side, some scenes do go on too long and 'the message' aspect can get slightly tiresome at times. The acting is good but characters are maybe a little too detached at times, making it hard for us to care too much for them. That said, however, the ending still packs an emotional punch.
Other things to check out: An extended nude scene that must've been pretty shocking at the time. The psychedelic soundtrack is no too bad either including a groovy rock concert scene. Lastly, a black radical who talks in fluent jive 'you cat', 'you dig', etc very funny.
If you're looking for a film with a great narrative then give Medium Cool a miss. If you would like to see a late 60's psychedelic/political mood piece with some great visuals and music, then give it a go.
Set in Chicago during the '68 Democrat National Convention, the film follows a dispassionate news cameraman and his relationship with a country woman and her son. The story is slight. And the message is not entirely clear. But, apart from the time-capsule factor, what makes this movie worthwhile is the way in which it has been captured on film. The cinematography excellent in places. The opening credit sequence where the camera follows a dispatch bike rider through the streets of Chicago to the psychedelic main theme tune by Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention is particularly well done. Similarly, the later shots of Verna Bloom walking through the anti-Vietnam riots clad in a little yellow summer dress is incredibly striking. Director Haskell Wexler was primarily a cinematographer so it is unsurprising that the look of the film is so important. On top of this, the idea of filming the actors in the settings of actual events, such as the riots and the Convention, gives the film a timeless quality and uniqueness that serves it well.
On the negative side, some scenes do go on too long and 'the message' aspect can get slightly tiresome at times. The acting is good but characters are maybe a little too detached at times, making it hard for us to care too much for them. That said, however, the ending still packs an emotional punch.
Other things to check out: An extended nude scene that must've been pretty shocking at the time. The psychedelic soundtrack is no too bad either including a groovy rock concert scene. Lastly, a black radical who talks in fluent jive 'you cat', 'you dig', etc very funny.
If you're looking for a film with a great narrative then give Medium Cool a miss. If you would like to see a late 60's psychedelic/political mood piece with some great visuals and music, then give it a go.