Just like a Dylan song

Rating: 8/10 (2 February 2008)

I recently watched this film at the International Film Festival in my hometown of Rotterdam. Before screening, the cinematographer of the flick walked in and did a speech. He said he regretted Todd Haynes couldn't be there in person, but he just wanted to tell us to enjoy the movie. His closing comments were that this movie was 'just like a Dylan song, you don't have to understand everything to enjoy it'.
After watching this film, I was amazed at how right those words just were. The movie opened beautifully with 'Stuck Inside of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again' and immediately, I enjoyed it. After a while, I was impressed by some of the stylistic devices and acting performances, yet I didn't truly feel I fully understood or followed this film. Then, afterwards, I actually felt no different. Despite this, I really enjoyed this film. I simply love Bob Dylan, but seeing as I'm relatively young I always have the feeling there are certain things about him I don't know or understand yet. This goes especially for his sometimes abstract lyrics. Nevertheless, I love his music. Much the same can be said for this movie; it drags you in from beginning to end, and you never lose your attention, but at the same time, you can't always put your finger on what the movie's getting at.
Some of my favourite Dylan songs were in the movie and they were used at the right time, making them a contribution and not a gimmick. Also, the acting was superb; specifically the young Marcus Carl Franklin and Cate Blanchett, whose Dylan was simply the best (my friend didn't know she was in it and didn't realize her Dylan was a woman until I told him after the movie). The only drawback to this piece of art is that it was a bit long; after a while, the many stories start to drag a little.
Other than that, this was an excellent art-house picture; every performance hit the spot and every stylistic device was a contribution. Although you might not understand everything, it doesn't matter because you'll enjoy it anyway.
Just like a Dylan song, actually.