Some kind of genius

Rating: 9/10 (23 December 2007)

Todd Haynes' bizarre take on the "music and lives" of Bob Dylan is an astonishing piece of work. Its visual style is inventive and enjoyable. The performances are universally brilliant. The direction is outstanding. The film is a sensual experience that will leave those who go into it with the right mind bemused, intrigued and satisfied.
This is a film that you have to want to see. Fans of Dylan should be entertained well and the more you know the more you shall enjoy. Haynes' script (written with Oren Moverman) makes the film seemingly difficult to follow and any background knowledge is helpful. However, it is a film that just happens: there is no need to follow it. As long as you have interest you'll never be bored.
The success of the film is based around a number of rock solid elements. First off, Haynes' frenetic editing gives the film an energy and sense of invention that should keep most enthralled.
If the film sags at any moment, all you have to do is look at the performances. Led by an astonishing turn from Cate Blanchett as Jude Quinn, the "Dylans" are superb. Bale and Ledger deliver performances that fit their impressive standard, whilst Richard Gere is an enjoyable presence. However, the two that impress most, other than Blanchett, are Ben Whishaw, who has little to do but delivers each of his lines perfectly, and Marcus Carl Franklin who is charming and completely gripping. Leading the supporting cast proper, we have Bruce Greenwood who is simply brilliant as Keenan Jones and Pat Garret.
If this isn't good enough for you, bask in Haynes' visual style. Each section has its own distinctive look and Haynes manages to fit in numerous striking images that are stunning. If you're still not satisfied, then there is bound to be a decent Dylan song around the corner.
The film is far from perfect. It isn't boring, but it is a bit too long and on occasions Haynes' stream of consciousness loses its audience.
Ultimately, the film provides little insight into Dylan and no coherent account of his life, but that isn't its intention. The final shot provides the simple message about a man and his music. This icon is shown in a wonderful way and remains enigmatic, but this is a film as much about the people who effected and were affected by Dylan. In short, this film is some kind of genius and has so much going for it that you are bound to get something out of it.