Review of I'm Not There (2007) by Emily P — 23 Jul 2009

Liked this one alot better the second time around since the first time through I had almost no familiarity with Mr. Zimmerman. However, now that I've gone through a big Dylan phase alot of what the filmmakers were trying to do made alot more sense. However, to appreciate this one needs to be at least somewhat versed in the music and life of Bob Dylan before diving in. Definitely a nice treat for devoted Dylanites though.

Cate Blanchett and Marcus Carl Franklin's takes on aspects of the Dylan persona were the most impressive in the film. Heath Ledger's segments do a really great job of capturing that part of his life. Ben Whishaw came closest (after Blanchett) to capturing how Dylan actually is. Richard Gere and Christian Bale's segments are both interesting concepts but neither actor is given too terribly much to work with. Each variation on Dylan has it's own style of filmmaking behind it which nicely refelects the eclectic-ness of Dylan's personality and musical style.