I'm Not There

Who is Bob Dylan? Well if you don't know then you will have no interest in this little piece about the film I'm Not There, dirceted by Todd Haynes.

Bob Dylan is a master of disguise and in this film Todd Haynes uses six actors to play different characters who portray different aspects of Bob Dylan or what we assume represents him.

Woody "Bob Dylan" (Marcus Carl Franklin) is a black kid who jumps on trains and channels the spirit of Woody Gunthrie - quite charming. Jack "Bob Dylan" (Christian Bale) is a singer adopted by the protest movement whom disappears then re-introduces himself as a born again Christian preacher - rather entertaining. Robbie "Bob Dylan" (Heath Ledger) is a Brando-like figure who eventually becoms famous in a 1965 biopic playing the vanished Jack - a bit of a fucking dick in the best possible way. Jude "Bob Dylan" (Cate Blanchett) is the betrayer of the acoustic folk music ideal - little fucking smartass but the most incredible performance by Cate Blanchett. Billy "Bob Dylan" (Richard Gere) is a 'Billy The Kid' in a western town - interesting selection of actor, but beautiful scenes. Arthur "Bob Dylan" (Ben Whishaw) is a symbolist poet whose purpose is to serve as the films occassional narrator - fantasic!

So what do I think of I'm Not There? Well, I guess I am sitting in-between. It was great film in the sense that is was done very well and pieced together in an interesting way, but I do think it was a little too long. During the film there seemed to be multiple places where you thought it was going to end and would make an electric ending, but the film never really stopped. And to be completly honest, the ending it did have, I cannot remember, but the times I thought it was going to end, I remember very clearly.

One thing I cannot get over is Cate Blanchett's performance, I thought that she played such a convincing character who is one of those smartass interlectuals and who will make you look stupid extremely fricking well. All scenes consisting of the character, Jude, were entertaining, especially when he is rolling around in hysterics with The Beatles. Jude was my favourite character who evoked a different aspect of Bob Dylan.

I wasnt completely settled with Richard Gere playing Billy, but I think that is just because whenever I think of Richard Gere I always think of tap dancing and western sections dont go down to well with me... However I did note his brillant acting and wont fail to recognise that.

Yes, a must film to see to every Bob Dylan fan and even if you arent overly keen on Bob Dylan I think you would also enjoy. Book your tickets and check it out, you'll see some familar faces and have a bit of a laugh. Heath Ledger has been bought back to life, so appreciate the talent that we lost earlier this year, but most of all appreciate Bob Dylan, his many personalities and his music playing through out the film.

Wellington - Paramovnt
Tuesday 1 April, 1530
Tuesday 1 April, 2015

Auckland - Academy Cinemas
Saturday 5 April, 2015
Sunday 6 April, 1530
Monday 7 April, 2030

Christchurch - Rialto Cinemas
Saturday 19 April, 2015
Thursday 24 April, 2000

Dunedin - Regent Theatre
Tuesday 29 April, 2015
Thursday 1 May, 1530