Captures The Spirit Of A Man They Call Bob

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2009)

In the foyer of a local cinema I heard a person refer to I'm Not There as a 'hagiography' of Bob Dylan; sure, this film celebrates the music and the shape shifting character of Dylan but it is also critical of the legendary figure. Todd Haynes' refreshing biopic explores Dylan through six actors and seven characters, not one of whom is explicitly called Bob Dylan. Like Haynes' earlier music biopic Velvet Goldmine which was about a Bowie-esquire figure, this story plays loose with truth and biopic conventions.
Narrated loosely by the poet-Dylan 'Arthur' (Ben Whishaw) and framed around the death of film star-Dylan 'Robbie' (Heath Ledger RIP) in a motorcycle accident, Dylan's story begins with 'Woody Guthrie' (the young black Marcus Carl Franken), painting Dylan as a pretender with boxcar blues aspirations. Folk star 'Jack' (Christian Bale) becomes a counter culture folk icon, which he'll eventually reject by going electric. Bale later reappears as 'Pastor John', a born again Christian. Aforementioned 'Robbie' is a star burning too bright, in a touching and painful relationship with Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg). Cate Blanchett is electric period pop star Dylan, who is seen toying with the British pop establishment. Finally Richard Gere's 'Billy the Kid' portrays Dylan as an outlaw.
You'd be forgiven thinking that there is little to link them in outside of their inspiration and you'd be right; I'm Not There tells the story of each Dylan in a unique cinematic style, reflective of the time they represent, and without a plot thread linking stories, but this wonderfully serves the purpose of portraying Dylan as chameleon figure he is and lifts this above the staid biopic style. Each of the actors is suited to their roles, with special mention belonging to Cate Blanchett, who is utterly convincing in her portrayal of Dylan. This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but Todd Haynes should be commended for his adventurous and excited approach. Great soundtrack too.