A celebration of change

Rating: 7/10 (15 May 2008)

Sure this is not for everyone, and unless you have at least a minor special place in your heart for Mr. Dylan, and are somewhat familiar with his life story, many of the film's brilliant moments may be lost. However, those hoping for the closest thing to a musical tribute to one of the modern age's largest and most enigmatic icons should be singing the praise of Todd Haynes and his insightful, perceptive, and classy way of handling the material.
Conceptually, I'm Not There seems like a bigger gamble then necessary. Using six totally different types of people (black boys, women, etc) to highlight a different period of Bob's life might have seemed pretentious on paper, though it remains evident why some big names attached themselves to the project after reading just that- Haynes produces the uncanny feeling of prodding this man's public soul in a way that is neither stubbornly elusive or obnoxiously obvious.
It's a bit slow to start, and the movie is not without it's weak segments, but framed around Cate Blanchett's rightly praised, scene-stealing turn as the most provocative of the Dylan personalities, Haynes has pieced together one of the most rewarding puzzles of '07.