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Premise: Alternative-style biopic of musician Bob Dylan
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Stars: Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Marcus Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw
Review: The movie tells a story of the life of Bob Dylan in a pastiche of different eras as portrayed by different actors, filmed in different visual styles and in non-linear fashion. While each actor portrays a character with a different name, such as Pastor John for Bale, Woody for Franklin, etc., the events and happenings are all ascribed to Dylan.
With the songs and lyrics of Dylan's songs framing each section, as well as playing in the background, one becomes immersed in what could be Dylan's own narrative - reminiscing on life as a young runaway calling himself Woody Guthrie, or an older version of himself as an outlaw Billy the Kid. These vignettes are intersticed with scenese from Dylan at his height or on his way up. The discordant notes struck by the switch from scene to scene highlight the nature of Dylan's lyrics which tend to have uneven ups and downs.
It's an interesting movie. I'm not a big Dylan fan, but there are songs I love - "Like a Rolling Stone", "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", a few others. Of course now, it's tinged with a bit of sadness after Ledger's passing (the reason I picked it up) as Ledger plays the part of Dylan's life where he was struggling through a divorce and custody battle with his wife (reminiscent of Ledger's split with Michelle Williams). The movie closes with a scene of Dylan playing the harmonica.
If you like Dylan, watch it. If you like one of the actors, then watch it. If you want to see a film that requires multiple viewings just to comprehend - the movie fights the notion of 'easily digesting in one sitting' as much as it can - then watch it. If you want to watch a movie that will provoke a few discussions, it's for you.
Overall: Good.
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