This entry was posted on Monday, January 7th, 2008 at 11:51 pm and is filed under Drama, I, Movie Reviews, Musicals, NEW ON VIDEO, True Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Director: Todd Haynes
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Ben Whishaw, Richard Gere, Marcus Carl Franklin, Heath Ledger, Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg
I’m a Bob Dylan fan. I am, however, more of a bubble gum Dylan fan. You know; his 60s radio stuff: Times They Are a Changing, Like a Rolling Stone. I’m that kind of a Dylan fan. This movie was not made for me, and believe me, if you are not a Dylan fan at all, then this movie was sure as Hell not made for you, either. This film is made for those knowledgeable, got-all-his-albums-and-know-his-life-story, kind of fans. I did go to this flick with two such fans and they were still grinning like idiots 20 minutes after, so I guess they liked it. For me it was like clouds; pretty, but way over my head and can’t hold my attention for two hours. The acting is good and there are some nice visuals here, but the story is a metaphoric mess, that only makes any kind of sense if you are quite familiar with his Royal Dylaness.
This is a roughly autobiographical story of Bob Dylan, but because he is such a flake (ok, some prefer the term, enigmatic, since he’s successful), they tell the story with about five different characters. Cate Blanchett (yup, as an androgynous, male Andy Warhol-type character), Christian Bale, Ben Wishaw, and Heath Ledger all play differently named fictional characters in alternating storylines, representing Dylan at different stages in his life. Add in, as well, Marcus Carl Franklin, playing an eleven year old black folk singer (and, wow, this kid IS good!) who apparently represents a younger, wandering Dylan. There is also another storyline that has Richard Gere playing an aged Billy The Kid in a weird Halloween western town, that ties in to Bob Dylan somehow I guess. As you may have surmised, the end result is a surreal, metaphorical tale that is as cryptic as Dylan and his songs.
The I’m Not There movie poster should have a giant disclaimer of “For Dylan Fans Only” stamped across it, and admittance to the film should be restricted to those who can answer five skill-testing Dylan questions. It has received some early critical acclaim, but once the self-important, band wagon crowd finishes lauding its uniqueness, and some impressive performances, it will be relegated to stuffy film classes and music maniacs’ film libraries. But, hey if you are a real (not bubble gum), Dylan fan, enjoy. If you are forced to accompany a real Dylan fan to the cinema on this one, choose a multiplex and go see Walk Hard while they are sucking up this lemon.
I’m Not There – movie quotes:
Movie lines from I’m Not There
“I’m Against Nature. I’m Not Cool With Nature.”
“Sleep? Sleep is for dreamers, man.”
“I accept chaos. I’m not sure if chaos accepts me.”
January 10th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
This film can be enjoyed by those who know something about Dylan’s life and music but for anyone else it is pretty tough going!It is full of clever allusions to his lyrics,the liner notes to his “albums’(not always even available on his CD’s!) and Dylan-Lore.The film is written like a Dylan song full of images and metaphors offering impressions and feelings rather than plot.Being a fan I loved the film, but would sympathize with those viewers who are not!
You refer to the “Royal Dylaness”. One of the themes of this movie was how Dylan fought against this very attitude.He was been cast as the spokesman for his generation and as a result has constantly fought to be scene as only a musician. He refuses to be a spokesman for anyone.
It was said of Monet-”he was just an eye, but what an eye!” Dylan said of himself “I am just the song and dance man”…but what a song!
So I will tell you one thing about that movie,whatever it’s merits… What a soundtrack!
January 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed the film sir, as I’m sure most hardcore Dylan fans will. I referred to Bob as his royal Dylaness, because of the hallowed spot he holds in our music hearts, not due to any claims of his – thx for reading, and writing!