I'm Not There

I loved Todd Haynes I'm Not There. It is certainly the most creative and unusual bio pic I have ever seen. However, be warned, that his film is not for everyone. You must not only know Dylan's music but also know about him to really appreciate the film. Or if you just like very artsy films then you will also enjoy it. But if you are looking for a straight biopic then forget it.

Haynes and his co-writer Oren Moverman have created a tapestry of the life of Bob Dylan. Six actors play Dylan in various stages of his life. The actors are: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Ben Wishaw. All of them are very good and Blanchett, in particular, stands out. Some important non-Dylan roles are played by Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Bruce Greenwood and Michelle Williams.

I will not get into the plot because there really isn't a straight narrative line. Like I said before,
it helps if you know something about Dylan's life. Some of the dialog in the film are direct quotes from interviews/articles that I have read. And then there is the music - there is nothing in the world like it. Todd Haynes was at the screening I saw and I asked him if Dylan saw the film. He said that so far he hasn't. I would be curious to know what he thought.

So if you love Dylan as I do then you must see this film. For everyone else - well this film will work if you like unusual, almost experimental films. But that said, in my opinion I'm Not There is a marvelous film.