Old Joy

Kelly Reichardt's winning indie drama focuses on a pair of thirtysomething friends who join up for a camping trip in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. It's a bittersweet journey, with more emphasis on the bitter than the sweet, as struggling musician Kurt (folk singer Will Oldham in a credible dramatic performance) fears he is losing touch with his longtime friend Mark (Daniel London), thanks to Mark's marriage and impending fatherhood (Mark's acceptance of mature adult responsibility is antithetical to everything that Kurt embraces). It's basically a two-man show in which the leads play off each other brilliantly (Tanya Smith, in a supporting role as Mark's wife, is literally the odd person out: reduced to an intrusive cell phone presence during the trip). Although Old Joy covers topics that often sink independent films (premature midlife crises, the refusal to let go of adolescent behavior), Reichardt nonetheless hits the right chords in a work of great sensitivity, gentle humor, and quiet wisdom. In addition, the film's intelligent use of mountain settings (kudos to cinematographer Peter Sillen) and the sublime music score by Yo La Tengo create a work of both visual and aural splendor. Highly recommended. (P. Hall) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—Dec. 3, 2019—Criterion, 73 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 2006’s Old Joy features an excellent transfer with an uncompressed stereo soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include a conversation with costars Daniel London and Will Oldham (23 min.), interviews with director Kelly Reichardt (20 min.), author Jonathan Raymond (11 min.), and cinematographer Peter Sillen (11 min.), and a booklet featuring an essay by film critic Ed Halter as well as the short story by Raymond on which the film is based. Bottom line: this acclaimed indie drama makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]