I'm Not There Reviews

Our Review

Really not there

Monica Tan, MovieFix

For anyone looking for a conventional representation of famed folk singer Bob Dylan, do not try your hand with Todd Haynes' ambitious new film "I'm Not There". His impressionistic look at the music icon is at times challenging, often to the point of being exasperating, but in the end is a fascinating and probably appropriate way to cover a man who has worn many faces and given away very little about himself in interviews.

It's been five years since we've heard from Haynes, who last left us with the sensitively handled drama "Far From Heaven". Here the director again brings a quiet sophistication in conducting the film's complicated structure.

You may have already heard that the film has six actors all playing Dylan. This isn't strictly true. In fact the six actors, one of whom, Cate Blanchett, is female, and another, Marcus Carl Franklin, is an 11-year-old, black boy, play loose representations of "aspects" of Dylan's life, influences and personality. And none of the actors' characters are actually called Bob Dylan.

Those who find the lack of a centre to guide us through the film may be frustrated by the film's abstractedness. But the man himself never wished to be neatly defined, through his music or by journalists, so it comes as no surprise that a film sanctioned by the singer would attempt to either.

While the film as a drama can seem unsatisfying, and the continual jumps in eras, characters and style dizzying, no one can deny that Haynes has created a colourful and evocative portrait of the artist, and elicited fine performances from his cast, most notably Blanchett and Christian Bale.

And with the film "Across The Universe", which incorporates more than 30 Beatles songs, as well as the Ian Curtis of Joy Division fame biopic "Control" also out at the moment, it seems music buffs everywhere should be getting to the cinema.

Your Reviews

Sari

I loved it. But i can see how some people wouldn't. You need to know about Bob Dylan's life and music. I thought the movie very cleverly put across the confusion and the mind bending. Took me back a number of years. The photography was clever also. The acting was terrific. I am very glad I went to see it but it certainly isn't for everyone.

Georgie

This film is fantastic in so many ways. The acting, notably Cate Blanchett, and the interesting photograhy, not to mention the creative directing, makes it an absolute must see for anyone interested in artistic movie-making. It's brilliant and intriguing whether you are a Bob Dylan fan or not.

Anonymous

Don't in any circumstances see this film, unless you enjoy two and a half hours of pretentious cinema. It's so full of itself it's unbelievable. If you can follow the 'plot' you must be a genius. I can only think the entire crew and cast were drugged before they came on set. Shockingly bad.

NDT

The structure of this film is unconventional to say the least. It is non-linear in its narrative as well as its approach. The idea that six actors can represent the many sides of Dylan's persona and his phases of life is quite non-conventional, and extremely brave. It is truly an experimental way to tell the story of one man's life. It works on so many levels, but also fails on others. If you go in thinking you will solve the puzzle and understand the nearly infinite references, you will certainly be disappointed.

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