Gray's Anatomy

If you've seen and enjoyed either or both of the two previous movies adapted from Spalding Gray's monologues--Swimming to Cambodia (1987) and Monster in a Box (1992)--then you're more or less guaranteed to enjoy this film, which is more of the same. Directed by Steven Soderbergh (sex, lies and videotape, King of the Hill) with equal parts astounding visual invention and ludicrous visual excess (the scenes in which Gray appears to be sitting in the PeopleMover at Disneyland are borderline laughable), it's the tale of Gray's attempts to treat--or, more often, avoid treating--a fairly serious eye problem. Typically engrossing and hilarious, it nonetheless left a faintly sour aftertaste; too many of Gray's "real-life" adventures in this one seem to have been undertaken expressly in order to provide suitably wacky monologue material. If he continues in this vein, perhaps he ought to consider tackling the mundane next time out. In other words, live first, then write. Recommended all the same. (M. D'Angelo)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—July 3, 2012—Criterion, 79 min., not rated, DVD: 2 discs, $29.95; Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD, and first on Blu-ray, 1997's Gray's Anatomy sports a great transfer with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound on the DVD and DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray version. Extras include “A Personal History of the American Theater” 1982 monologue by star Spalding Grey (97 min.), new interviews with director Steven Soderbergh (12 min.) and co-writer Renée Shafransky (18 min.), “Swimming to the Macula” footage from Gray's eye surgery (16 min.), a trailer, and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Amy Taubin. Bottom line: an excellent, extras-rich new edition and welcome Blu-ray debut.]