While the deluge of musical films can be draining, there are still music-inspired tales that are destined to become classics, among them the new Bob Dylan biopic, “I’m Not There.” Co-written and directed by visionary filmmaker Todd Haynes, “I’m Not There” tells an engaging story while also reinvigorating the genre with creativity.
Haynes, along with co-writer Oren Moverman, breaks biopic convention by separating the legendary musician into seven different characters and stories in an interlocking structure that captures Dylan’s essence. These multiple shades are played by both big names, including Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchett, as well as relative unknowns, Ben Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin. The main players, along with a strong supporting cast including Charlotte Gainsbourg, Michelle Williams, Jack White, David Cross, Julianne Moore and Bruce Greenwood, recreate songs and experiences that contain both fact and urban legend with equal vigor. Amazing narration by the great Kris Kristofferson further enhances the experience.
The story starts with a young blues guitar-playing boy, Woody Guthrie (Marcus Carl Franklin), then moves through multiple personas from poet Arthur Rimbaud (Ben Whishaw), to folk singer turned Christian preacher, Jack Rollins (Christian Bale), and to singer turned movie star, Robbie Clark (Heath Ledger). The story then transitions to a rock n’ roll rebel on his European tour, Jude Quinn (Cate Blanchett), to beaten down outlaw, Billy The Kid (Richard Gere). This film moves with a unique and free-flowing narrative that perfectly captures the essence of Dylan and presents the highs, lows and overwhelming oddities that define him. “I’m Not There” contains some of the greatest performances of the year, especially from Franklin, Ledger and Blanchett, who may garner award nominations for their performances.
The original recordings, as well as the covers of Dylan songs, are displayed in a perfect fashion befitting the tone and background of the narrative. The cinematography by Edward Lachman is nothing short of extraordinary and award-worthy and should be a contender come Oscar season. The movement from black and white to sepia texture in the film, as well as zooms and underwater shots are expertly crafted, as are many other creative visual aspects. The exceptional editing creates a cutting style that is rarely seen in a musical biopic and will probably never be repeated.
This film speaks to a specific audience and taste. For those who are not musical or Dylan enthusiasts, the story, and the film’s structure and editing may be frustrating. But even if moviegoers do not enjoy the story, characters and setup of the film, they cannot deny the sheer masterful creativity of “I’m Not There.” Despite a few issues with quick cuts and a sometimes harsh movement from story to story, the film captures the enigma and strangeness that is Bob Dylan better than any fictional film has before. It is a work of art that, despite its limited audience, will entertain, provoke and inspire viewers.
“I’m Not There” is Rated R for language and some sexuality and nudity.
